CPatt's Site

2009-11-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

More than 100...

2009-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth 1,000 words, so how on earth did B'oc expect us to do the image justice by describing it in one tenth of that? I'm not sure either... Luckily they gave us the opportunity to elaborate on our picture from the voice thread and what it means to us, in more than 100 words..

The poem I submitted originially:

Title: Breaking News

Just in from the white house, is that Mr. Obama I see?
First BlackPost Options Prez. in American history
I see a Hispanic woman, Judge of the Supreme Court
Remember when minorities couldn’t even play in our pro sports?
Now they’re leading our country, so I must be confessing
From the Soiling of Old Glory, we are mosdef progressing
I think our old prejudices, we’re beginning to shed
What’s this I hear? Gays can be wed?
So I can’t help but wonder how long will this last?
Til we start hatin’ on eachother- a relapse of the past.
Put the doubts aside and our future looks bright
Jump on the American bandwagon, hold on and sit tight.

The picture is from a news telecast that shows Obama "nominating federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court". In addition to the leap America made on November 4, 2009 when Barack Obama was voted the nation's first black President, America also made a step toward becoming an increasingly more tolerant country when a Hispanic woman was appointed to be Judge of the Supreme Court. Both Obama and Sotomayor have similar backgrounds that follow the too familiar redemption story trend that Americans fall in love with time after time. With the See, Think, Wonder format I explored the picture and what I believe it stands for. This year certain states are legalizing gay marriages, the election of the first Black President, and Obama's appointment of the first female and Hispanic Supreme Court Justice America is clearly progressing forwards into the future where equality is real and things are no long "separate but equal".

One of These is Not Like the Others

2009-05-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

I was trying to find some flags around my house and failed miserably. I always thought we were a pretty patriotic family, but realized there was no hard evidence to show for it. Well, I shouldn't say I completely "failed" because through out my search I did find a few things where I hadn't expected American Flags to pop up...

1. My TNT (Tiny New Triers) basketball jersey from '02 with an American Flag patch positioned so it would rest on your heart, this was added solely because of 9/11.
2. A roll of stamps in my very own desk drawer were patterned with our American Flag
3. The stack of news papers waiting to be recycled...

It seems minor, but as a matter of fact, that is my point exactly... On the cover of each Wilmette Life there was a little flag, whether it be in the middle of the title or in the upper left corner, on every issue there was a flag. Or almost everyone.. I was surprised that I found one missing the beloved flag, which got me thinking: Is it on the cover as a true patriotic symbol or just because it adds to the cover? If it was truly an important aspect of the cover page, don't you think it would have been difficult to omit it? Well, unfortunately I don't have the answers to these questions, but perhaps I'll write the editor a letter and ask his thoughts on what the flag means on the cover of the Pioneer Press' Wilmette Life.

Some Fun Photos

2009-04-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

This site has some pretty cool pictures that I wanted to share with all of you... (click the link)

ENJOY!

They give you perspective on life in addition to being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Junior Theme 3

2009-04-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm in the middle of citing some sources. I am still sort of fuzzy about my questions and am worried I will lose focus in my essay, but I'm crossing my fingers everything will come together... I'm debating whether or not to use notecards, because I know it's a very efficient method and will keep me organized (I need that), but I don't know if I want to waste my time on that. I have a few books and I really want to read them all, so I think I have fun action-filled weekend to come. Not. I love my topic, but it's a little out of my comfort zone, for it's not very black and white, or factual if you will. I like dealing with facts whether I'm analyzing or connecting them, but when it comes to parenting it is very indiviualistic. Every parent is different, and some may say yes to getting your belly-button ring and some may say no, but all of these decisions in essence affect the child and their upbringing. Anywho, back to my citations which Ms. Gressel and Ms. Eich coached me through. OH and I forgot my ID at home so I need to find a way to check out my book... wish me luck!

Junior Theme 2

2009-04-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

So I figured this blog would be a great way to put all my sources to help keep track of them... Most recently Bolos sent me a great link to an interview and article on NPR. I haven't exactly looked into it yet, but it looks promising. In addition to this, I found a pretty professional site that cited the different styles of parenting, which seems to have solid facts. I'm not sure what book I am going to do, because the book that related to the Dr. Spock article in the previous post, Born Liberal Raised Right, could be to opinionated as opposed to research and facts. The intro is due Monday and I still have a ton of information to sift through, but so far I have not been too overwhelmed and feel pretty confident in my topic. I think the thing I am struggling with most, is that there is no set answer I am trying to argue. The idea that I have to concoct a solution or create some sort of answer will be a challenge for me.

Here's my definite Why question, which may, and I think Doc Oc would like this, CHANGE after all of the reading I do and information I absorb.

Why are parents less authoritative now than they have been in the past?

Junior Theme 1

2009-04-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

So it's the second period of American Studies and were in the lib trying to finalize our "WHY" questions for the infmaous junior theme. Doc Oc just graced me and Andrea with his presence to help nail down our questions... I was leaning towards "Why have child raising practices evolved over time," but with the help of the SWS (Senior Writer's Seminar) maestro I transformed it into "Why are parents less authoritative than they have been in the past?" I think thats the Q I'm going to run with, and I am very excited about it. Bolos gave me some ideas to mull over and the name Dr. Spock. Already I have hit an article that regards Dr. Spock's influence on child-raising practices and how its affecting society today. My main aim will be the reasoning behind the more relaxed parenting style and in conclusion how the future of society will be affected. I can't wait to dive into some books and compare and contrast the different styles of different eras.

Over and out.

WeSeed

2009-03-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

We talk about the crisis a lot in class, so what better way to get a feel for the stock market than to participate in it...? well, virtually...

check out this link, make an account, and buy/trade/sell stocks with FAKE money. It's really neat, so make sure you explore!

The Stock Market For the Rest of Us

What Number are You?

2009-03-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

What number are you in basketball? Football? Softball? Soccer? Does it mean something? Well recently I had to change my jersey number, and let me tell you, it was not easy. I have always been number 8 my whole life.. It's my birth month, how many people are in my family...etc you get the point. Numbers are, dare I say, a type of symbol. Similar to Mr. Bolos' patterns, I always find some correlation with my jersey numbers and my life. My basketball number started off as 5, my birthdate, the # child I was in my family and how many siblings I have total. Then switched to 41. Well 4+1=5, and I have four older siblings and one younger. I changed between 41 and 5 throughout my career. Now, back to my latest switch... due to numbers previously being chosen, and some snatched from my grasp... I ended up with 24. Coincidentally, Kobe made the switch from 8 to 24 not too long ago. 2x4=8. There are 2 boys in my family and 4 girls. 24K is pure gold, and who wouldn't wanna try and play like pure gold? Also, 24 hours in a day- though I wish I was obsessed with the Jack Bauer, so I could enjoy my new number to the fullest.

Numbers are a pretty odd thing (and even too, I guess), but what do they mean??

What jersey number have you always been and why?!?

Here's a link to see which pro athlete has your number and why:

A NUMBERS GAME

Here's a link that ranks the NFL's QBs based on their #'s:

NFL QUARTERBACKS

Here's a link to a little quiz to tell you what number you are:

WHAT NUMBER ARE YOU?

****Here's another fun numbers quiz that you would enjoy:

60 = M in a H

***denotes my favorite.

What is Going On?

2009-03-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is possibly one of the oddest things I have ever seen, so I would like to share it with all of you... ENJOY!

Just For Fun

2009-03-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

I was doing my usual rounds of sifting through my classmates' blogs, when I decide to hit "next blog" (something I have done many a time, I'll have you know) and it got me thinking about how totally odd this whole blogging concept is. People have access to other peoples lives, more over, people are willing to share their lives with the public. I guess I'm still an awkward blogger, but it's neat to dive into to the world of bloggers. Heres a fun little game I got from this site: http://jacobandmonicad.blogspot.com/

This one is just for fun. . . play along if you want!
1.YOUR REAL NAME:
2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle name)
3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
10.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
11.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
12.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name)
13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)

We Love Ourselves.

2009-03-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

After reading Kimber's post, which described New Trier's hallway decor as a shrine to our greatness, I realized that this obsession with greatness has become a perpetual theme. We are too competitive for a valedictorian, we are too big for homecoming kings and queens and we are too contemptuous to form a marching band. With all of this talk about state championships, AP courses and Ivy League applications, do you think we could be a little narcissistic?

VOTE ECLIPSE

2009-02-25T14:04:00.001-08:00

VOTE ECLIPSEEEE!!!

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/component/option,com_topdrawer/Itemid,338/?contest_id=216&vote=225

Patterns

2009-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today the lunch topics weren't very exciting. A lot of blank stares and the occasional random story, but one instant does pop out at me. My friend took out her phone and saw that the screen had cracked.. After she got over her frustration with her new find she grumbled, "I wasn't even gonna bring my phone to school today. I should have just left it home!" If she had left it home, her screen wouldn't have cracked, right? Well these are the sort of patterns that humans are constantly making (which Mr. Bolos will confirm). After her statement another girl chimed in "yeah, and if I hadn't gone to stupid Starbucks I wouldn't have knicked another car!" In addition to the pattern making, I find that conversations usually are a chain (almost like Andrea's chain game) of stories that people feel compelled to share. I'll investigate more on topics of conversation and common themes that arise! More tomorrow!

My West

2009-02-08T20:43:00.001-08:00

Real Cowboys

2009-02-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

What You Might Think: They could be actors. They're probably not related. The roping could be fake?

What I Know: This is an actual man and son who are our family friends out west. The man in this commercial epitomizes the definition of a cowboy: hard-working, skilled, tough, brave, resilient and dedicated. He even lost one of his thumbs from roping, which is not uncommon. The son was competing at the high school level in rodeos at the time this was filmed, and could break horses by age 10. He could even teach his show ponies how to bow, sit, and role over ( it was quite cool). Also, I've ridden the grey horse (his name is actually Grey) that the boy rides in this clip... even though it's his brother's horse.

This is the boy with one of his show ponies at a rodeo with my brother.

This is me on Grey.

Supersitions

2009-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

We've been talking about superstitions a lot, especially with Huck Finn and I have been wondering what sort of superstitions every one has?
Here are some of my rituals...

Some pregame things include:
- dressing myself from foot to head and in the same order every time
- stretching a certain way, and if I don't do it right I have to redo it
- I write on the bottom of my foot for big games
- I eat a hershey bar before important games
- I can't wear certain colors or t-shirts.. usually determined on game day

Other Superstitions:
- I never walk under ladders
- I kiss the roof of the car when I go through a yellow light

What are yours?!

Doc Oc's Lesson on Relativism

2009-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

Just the other day we talked about relativism and, though it was extremely confusing at the time, I think I might have a stronger grasp on what relativism means.

Friday we were assigned a picture on voice thread to share what we thought each picture stood for. Oddly enough as we were walking out Doc Oc exclaimed "write something thoughtful!" But with relativism in mind, I wondered: who gets to decide if its thoughtful or not? If it's an analysis of any type doesn't that mean it had to have entailed some sort of thought? Or are some comments really more thoughtful than others?

Are our comments equally thoughtful?

2nd Semester Resolutions!

2009-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

So here it is: today is the first day of my 3rd to last semester at New Trier, and it's time to make some resolutions. With the celebration of New Years just behind us, I thought this post appropriate, as I reorganize my binders and set goals for the upcoming semester. Goal 1: get a jump start on this blogging thing that I love so much. Anyways... kids are punching numbers into calculators like its their job, adding their most recent grades-myself included- to compute their GPA which will make or break their college career, or so they think. Now I'm looking on to tomorrow and here are a few things to note...

2nd Semester Goals:

Avoid 3rd Qtr. Slump!!
Blog at LEAST Once a Week, its a requirement right?
Have every person in the class comment on my blog at some point--> setting the bar high!
Stay organized... throughout the WHOLE semester
Go to bed by 10, or try to. (I failed that one already)

But now that I've put them in writing-and in public- there's extra pressure to hold myself accountable to achieve these goals!

Does anyone else have things they will try to do differently 3rd and 4th quarter, or things to improve on?

America= Country Music?

2009-01-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

The other day in class we were discussing what word we would choose to describe America... Simple, right? Our country is only considered the melting pot, so how on Earth could there be one word to describe this complex nation? Well, despite the popular urban trends and the "chill" West coast concepts, I believe America can be most closely linked to the west and country music.

What is more American than a good pair of jeans, an ice cold beer, and the good 'ole deep South (refer to Chicken Fried- Zac Brown Band)? There are several themes in country music which I believe reflect those in American society today- or so we hope. The genre often addresses God, family, love, pride and patriotism which attracts a large amount of people across the country. Here are a few songs I believe embody American values....

Everyday America- Sugarland

However, with the recent inauguration, do you believe the genre and perhaps values will also "Change?" With the charts covered with Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B will we be seeing more of the following music to describe America in the future?

My President is Black- Young Jeezy

My Novel of a Comment is Now a POST in response to Self-Made Man

2009-01-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if I can be a reliable source as to whether the self-made man idea is uniquely American because I am not familiar enough with other countries' values or ideals. However, despite my lack of knowledge regarding foreign affairs, I am a citizen of the United States and do believe that the "self-made man" concept is an omnipresent them in society today. We have talked about the redemption story and in a sense that can be connected to the self-made man, for in many cases as the subject redeems him or herself he or she has essentially been reborn due to "his [or her] own pluck and work ethic," if you will, to better him or herself.

Just recently I was on a flight home form Florida and was seated next to a woman on her way to Great Lakes for A School, after just finishing a 2 1/2 month boot camp. She accidentally booked her flight going to Midway (it was her 1st time booking a flight and her 2nd flight EVER) and asked me about train/bus prices and if I knew the best way to get to O'Hare (where she could stay at the USO) or to Great Lakes... "I'll ask my Dad," I told her.

I was very curious about the Navy and the myths depicted in the movies so I asked my fair share of questions. Do you really have to measure your bed when you make it? Do you really scrub things with tooth brush's? Are the workouts really hard? and then the biggie: Why did you join the Navy? "We were doing very bad financially and I had to get in quick," she explained. A mother of two, a wife and a former hotel clerk, she told me how no other job offered the benefits (such as health insurance, living expenses... etc) and she needed to put food on the table for her two children.

Over the course of the flight, I learned that she came from an abusive family, didn't got to college, and got married at 18 (she's now 25). I agree with Gladwell- not everyone gets an equal opportunity to succeed.

She plans on using the money after her five years as a DC (damage control) in the Navy to pay for her education where she would like to get a degree. Though there are a few decisions she has made in her life which I do not completely agree with, I admire her strength and determination to help herself and believe that she is on her journey to becoming a "self-made WOman."

Blah Blah Blahg

2009-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

I used to question the cyber world and how blogging plays a part in it- like really, what is the point? But after getting deeper into this assignment and researching blogs that are not only from this class, but also other ones that regard athletics, travel, and other such things, I have realized-for the most part-that its an interesting way to gain insight and perspective that could otherwise not be achieved.

But there are also those blogs that simply retell what was on the news this morning- yes, I'm guilty too- which are really quite boring. The posts that tie in personal emotions and experiences help others connect to others and have a deeper meaning, ultimately attracting a larger crowd.

Even with my better understanding of "blogging," I sometimes get flustered about what my blog is suppose to mean to people... Should it be one of those blogs that attracts everyone and becomes a nation-wide hit or do I just jot down what I find interesting and analyze that?

Have it Your Way

2008-12-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

You know of Gucci and Prada, Marc Jacobs and Escada... but the latest fragrance to hit the street is by a lesser known cologne producer: Burger King.

Burger King recently launched its "Flame" campaign, marked with the Burger King lounging half-naked on the floor. In addition, the firemeetsdesire website was built to promote the new "scent of seduction" which hit stores this fall. The 5ml bottle of this flame-broiled goodness can be purchased at just $3.99. Will this new product be a must or a bust?

Are You KaiHigh??

2008-12-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

The Kairos Retreat originally began at the Jesuit Retreat House in Cleveland, Ohio, before sweeping the nation into a KaiHigh frenzy. Since I have yet to be a participant in the secret practices of the jesuit retreat, I am completely locked out of the "secret." Though many Kairos goers rave about their escape into the unknown, a process intended to aid him or her in the search for their relationship with God, many outsiders are skeptical of what goes on. In addition, Kairos is often associated with the term "cult," due to its post retreat exclusivity. Considering the myths, mysteries, and element of surprise until YOU experience Kairos first-hand, do you endorse this retreat or oppose it?

Is New Trier Normal?

2008-12-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

As a student at the infamous New Trier, I sometimes wonder if we're really getting the "typical" high school experience...

I play for a soccer team where kids come from all over. My teammates go to high school from Libertyville and Mundelein to Geneva and Batavia, Hersey and St. Viator to Downers Grove North and the occasional Lake Forest and Deerfield. Over the past few years we have done lots of comparing and contrasting regarding our own personal high school experiences, which led me to realize that New Trier does not follow a majority of the previous named high schools' traditions nor the atypical high school scene portrayed in movies. We are different, and I will how you how..

Do We Have.....

Homecoming Court?

Pep Rallies?

Mandatory Study Halls?

Class Rank?

Honors Classes?

AP's offered before Junior Year?

Cheerleaders?

Pep Band?

Prom King & Queen?

Valedictorian?

Graduation Caps and Gowns?

4 Grades on one Campus?

Our prom dresses don't usually look like we are headed to a Cinderella Ball and we have kids hacking in to check their rank because its simply too competitive of an environment to be released (point proven). We don't have cheerleaders with signs or pep rallies for them to dance at, instead we have NTDT. In addition, our levels are so advanced that "normal" schools' honors classes are our 3 Levels...

I'm not complaining about what we don't have, because in turn we offer things that other schools don't. How many other schools can boast about 90+ state titles or being able to do wander all over (as long as you remain inside the schools limits, of course) during a free period. Scuba diving in the pool, anyone? Though we don't have caps and gowns, white dresses and tuxedo's are quite classy, and I'm sure no one is complaining about the lavish graduation party which dishes out prizes such as cubs tickets, flat screens, digital cameras and mini fridges to name a few.

I'll leave you with one last thing to ponder: "truth behind New Trier."

And now let you decide... Is New Trier Normal?

Could Obama Get Beat to the White House?

2008-12-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

So I know this is kind of wild... but also incredibly interesting-should the Bush Administration decide to go out with a bang.

What would happen if our fav man George W. resigns and Dick Cheney can step up as our President of the United States...

THEN Cheney appoints Condoleezza Rice as his VP...

THEN Cheney resigns as President...

the result?? Condoleezza Rice becomes both our first BLACK and FEMALE President...

It could happen.

Horned Frogs

2008-10-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

This past week I watched no. 24 TCU take on no. 8 BYU in an exciting Mountain West Conference battle. Though both teams are ranked, the 32-7 upset was tremendous! Not only did TCU beat BYU by the same margin that no. 1 Oklahoma beat TCU by a couple weeks back, but this also ended the country's largest win streak (16 games) owned by BYU. The horned frog's no. 1 ranked defense in the country was no match for BYU's impressive offense. Play after play TCU was forcing BYU to turnovers and punts. And then capitalized while on offense. As a result of their efforts and well-deserved win, TCU earned a no. 14 BCS ranking and no. 15 throughout the week 8 polls. Next no. 14 TCU (7-1, 4-0) will have conference play vs. Wyoming (2-5, 0-4)for TCU's homecoming. Good Luck Frogs!!

When You Can Live Forever, What do You Live For?

2008-10-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

Based on the New York Times #1 Best Seller by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight is a romantic thriller between a vampire and mortal.

Upon her arrival in Forks, Washington, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) meets dreamy, mysterious Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), whose secrets she's determined to uncover. Though Edward is a "vegetarian," not a human-blood drinker, the closer they get, the harder it is to resist Bella's tempting scent. Swept away and blinded by love, Edward and Bella neglect the dangers of their differences. But when James' (Cam Gigandet) vampire coven- Laurent (Edi Gathegi) and Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre)- come to town thirsty, will Bella be able to escape as their most desirable snack?

Twilight will hit theaters 11.21.08!

About the Books

The Twilight Saga consists of four books thus far: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn. There are over 17 million copies of Twilight in print and her newest, most highly anticipated addition to the Saga- Midnight Sun- will be released in 2009. Currently, I'm reading Eclipse. Twilight is my favorite, but I'm excited to read Breaking Dawn and Midnight Sun the most.. Even though I snuck a peak of the latter on her site. I highly recommend the Twilight Saga!

Inside Wall Street

2008-10-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Right now is a fascinating time to be on Wall Street due to the unprecedented time in the market. To get the inside scoop i went to an investment banker who is surrounded by the affects of the Economic Crisis day in and day out.

What exactly do you do?

I work in a group in the investment bank that focuses on media companies. We advise them on mergers and acquistions as well as help them raise capital. Where I am we don't invest any money; our job is an advisory role to our clients.

How have you felt the crisis?

It's a lot easter to get reservations in New York because there is less eating out, and there is an increase of foreign tourists (with lots of shopping bags) because the dollar is so cheap.

How has your company felt the crisis?

Our company has had to take write-downs the past few quarters, but things are improving everyday. Clients are being affected by the crisis as well. Deals that have gotten done in bull markets aren't getting done today. There is not a lot of liquidity.

What is your company doing to try to solve this issue?

The company has been re-evaluating its investments and strategy going forward. There's been a laser-like focus on our balance sheet and unfortunately I've seen friends and colleagues being laid off throughout the bank- including most recently my assistant. It's a tough time to be on Wall Street, but in these tough times comes big opportunities. Holes open up that weren't there before, and this is when people are innovative and come up with new things and new ways of doing things.

What are your hours like?

85-100 hours a week.

Has your work changed?

Things are slowed down a little bit, but it's more of different kinds of deals rather than less deals. People aren't hiding in bomb shelters, they're just thinking differently. We have to be more creative to come up with solutions for our clients. Overall, I think it's a great opportunity to work with really smart people and sophisticated clients to develop unique solutions that will benefit our future.

CRAsh of the Market

2008-10-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

The other day in class we discussed "The Global Pool of Money." I found this topic particularly interesting and decided to continue some research to understand the problem and possible causes of today's economic and housing market crisis. Though the class discussion and the power-point were both very informative, I discovered significant underlying events which were not addressed.

In 1977 the CRA was passed by the 95th United States Congress and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter- an attempt to revive lower-income and minority neighborhoods.

The Community Reinvestment Act was "intended to expand access to credit and reduce discriminatory credit practices." In order to "expand access" the CRA "assigns federally insured financial institutions to help meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations" (Thompson). In English: Loan money to those who could least afford it.

Here we are... all the way back in 1977 and we are planting a little seed... we'll call it Crisis.

In 1999 President Bill Clinton wanted to contribute to the growth of our Crisis seed. He watered and fertilized it with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, aka the "Financial Services Modernization Act," which repealed part of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 that prohibited a bank from offering investment, commercial banking, and insurance services. The Glass-Steagall Act included banking reforms designed to control speculation. In English: The Glass-Steagall Act was put in place to keep the banks from doing stupid stuff after the 1933 banking crisis. The "repeals" made by Clinton erased the "prohibitions."

So, 1999, Clinton signed this Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and announced that "as we expand the powers of banks, we will expand the reach of the [Community Reinvestment] Act." He proceeds, "we are modernizing the financial services industry, tearing down these antiquated walls and granting banks significant new authority" (Clinton). These "antiquated walls" were the same walls in the Glass-Steagall Act that prohibited the bank from doing "stupid stuff." Now torn down, the banks were given "significant new authority" which helped "expand" the "reach" of the CRA. In English: The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which "expanded" the "reach" was a really continuation of lower-standards for borrowers.

In 2008 our Crisis is blossoming more than ever. The CRA seed encouraged banks to make unsafe loans, while the watering and fertilization of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act continued and expanded the lower standards necessary to make loans "comply."

Though some may disagree with the CRA's contributions to Crisis, it's hard to neglect the connections between the sub-prime lending boom and the nature of our catalytic seed that was buried some thirty years ago.

You Can Take a Bullet for the Country But Not a Shot of Whiskey

2008-09-03T07:09:00.001-07:00

Recently there has been a lot of buzz about lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. Why, you might ask? College and University officials are petitioning for this alteration for several reasons, the main one being safety. If the consumption of alcohol is legal by the time you are in college, the campus officials will be able to regulate the use of alcohol more efficiently. Normally on college campus' there is a lot of "don't see, don't tell..." However, if legalized for persons 18+ years of age, it would be easier for the campus officials to oversee the use of alcohol. Because of this, the rate of alcohol-related accidents could be lowered on college campuses. If you are able to buy tobacco, go to war, and cast a vote at age 18, why can't you be old enough to drink?