Treaty Signing at Medicine Creek Lodge

Treaty Signing at Medicine Creek Lodge is title of two different drawing by two different artists. John Taylor drew his version in 1867, and Howling Wolf drew his version approximately 8-11 years later. Both are a depiction of the signing of the peace treaty between the United States and the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche Indians. Taylor’s was a formal pen and paper drawing commissioned by Leslie’s Illustrated Gazette. Wolf used a blank accountant ledger, ink, color pencils and crayons to create his. This form was called “ledger” art and was widely used by many Native Americans.

I feel of the two drawings, Taylor’s is much more representative than the more abstract depiction of Wolf’s drawing. However, I am sure many Native Americans would believe Wolf’s piece of art is much more representative.

Another interesting aspect of the two drawings, both illustrate the landscape quite differently. Taylor focuses your attention to the center of the work where the “action” is happening. On the other hand, Wolf’s drawing doesn’t have a central focus. I believe in Taylor’s illustration, he just painted a clearing that could be any clearing. Wolf uses his illustration to more specifically pinpoint the area through the use of the converging waterways, the Medicine Lodge Creek and the Arkansas.

Taylor’s depiction shows a crowded clearing with many white and Indians. I believe this shows that both sides gladly accepted the treaty. In addition, he does not show a difference between the Native Americans saying they are all equals, even though there were several chiefs present. Another interesting point is that there is no women, either Indian or white. I believe this has to do with the era. Women did not have the rights they do today.

Wolf’s illustration is quite the opposite. He shows the clearing only has the important people in the clearing as others look on. I feel those on the outside represent the other people that will be affected. Wolf also depicts the various hierarchies within the tribe through the use of iconography. Wolf also has many women present in his drawing. I believe this displays the fact the Native Americans viewed their women more as equals.

Overall, the two drawings show very different points of view. I feel Taylor’s is very slanted due to the time era it was drawn. Wolf’s is more accurate, but without knowing the iconography of the Native Americans harder to interpret.

Charles Searles

As I looked through the book in search of a work of art that represents role 4, hidden truths/spirituality, I came across Filas for Sale by Charles Searles. My first impression of the painting was that it represents something African. The dark skinned people in the painting, as well as the bright colors, pushed me in this direction.

When I looked up Charles Searles on the internet, I found a biography of him on the G.R. N'Namdi Gallery's home page (locate here). He was born in Philidelphia, lived and worked in New York. He also taught at the Philidelphia College of Art for 20 years. It mentions that his art is influenced by African dance. It also states that he is more known for his sculpting. He lived from 1934-2004 and has left behind numerous works of art.

I was able to find a few of his works on ArtNet. He is represented on the site here. One of his sculptures, Warrior's Dance, uses his favoried medium for sculpting - painted wood. You can take a look at this piece here. G.R. N'Nambi's website also has a wide range of his work you can look at (to view them, go here).

Dance in Africa is a means to show spirituality for the people. I really liked how he translates the fluid art of dance into his paintings and his sculptures, and captures the spirituality of the people of Africa.

Michael Vick and others

On the way to school this morning I was listening to the radio. The morning show was talking about the recent promotion of Michael Vick to opening quarterback for the Philidelphia Eagles. I was trying to decide on my stance for this.

I see both sides of the arguement. I agree it was 100% wrong of him to participate in the dog fighting. However, he did go to jail, he served his time, and was released. That being said, where do we draw the line, as a society, for what is adequate repentance for your crimes?

Personally, I believe the punishment should fit the crime. I guess you could say I am a bit of a radical here, but the old proverb "an eye for an eye" should be in place. You shoot someone, someone shoots you. You kill someone, you should die. I agree it is a barbaric ideal, but if you take someones rights from them in some way, your rights should be taken from you in the same way.

However, our society (being American) has a system in place that allows for repentance, of a sort. Michael Vick served his sentence, came out and admitted what he did was wrong. Did a public apology that was broadcasted across the country, I would say that he has repented. Some will argue that he isn't truely sorry. How do they know? Are they mind-readers? If so, why are they not millionaires? Not taking a man for his word is one of many problems that plague America today (but this is a whole different topic to discuss).

The sad thing is that Michael Vick is only one of many offenders. Because he is a football star, a public figure, we tend to hold him to a higher standard. Several former presidents have done illegal things (Bush for instance went AWOL, had cocaine charges, and DUI's). Lindsay Lohan has had several problems with drugs recently. O.J. Simpson is in prison in Nevada for armed robbery. Those are just a few examples of the endless list of "stars" or "public figures" that are offenders.

What about the countless Americans that offend everyday? Just because your name is known by most households in America, doesn't mean that you are not human. The saying "One learns from their mistakes" has been forgotten. Some argue that you should learn from the mistakes of others, This is true in some respects, but how do you grow as a person if you don't try walking and fall on your rearend a time or two?

So yes, Michael Vick deserves a chance to play, just as George W. Bush deserved a chance at being president. Just as any other American who as been busted for anything deserves a chance at life once they have served their time.

Afterword by Chester Arnold

As I looked through the Chester Arnold collection at the Nevada Museum of Art, the piece Afterword caught my eye. Glimpsing at the plaque nearby, I was even more intrigued by the thought that the piece could be on “the business of capitalism.” So, I started looking and studying the piece further.

There were a few things that caught my attention immediately. Why in all the paper were there remnants of technology? There was a discarded computer and a discarded phone. To me, I thought they were included in the paper garbage to signify that even though we have the technology, we still have excessive paper waste. So, if we are not going to use them for what they were developed for, we might as well throw them out with the rest of the garbage.

I then started to think a little more about the discarded phone. In corporate America, we have moved away from taking a man on his word. We can no longer accept someone agreeing to anything without it being written in ink and signed in ink. We cannot take a man’s word over the phone anymore. America has drifted to the point where a man’s word is not good enough.

I also found it interesting how Arnold included a few coffee cups spread out amongst the paper. The coffee cups had a definite appearance of cups from any of the various Starbuck-like coffee houses that you can find on just about any corner in any town. Is America so dependent on caffeine that it makes its way into all aspects of our life?

There were several books and pictures scattered around the painting. Why would we throw away things that help us to remember? I feel Arnold was trying to point out that we are not remembering what the nation was built on. Pictures and books help us to recall the past, and we are not looking at the past to learn what mistakes have already been made so we progress forward.

After spending several minutes looking at the painting, I picked up the book on Chester Arnold and thumbed through it. I was looking specifically for the pages containing Afterword. Once I found it, there was another painting very similar to the Afterword. It was titled The Business of America is Business. I took another looking around the gallery and was surprised by how many similar paintings there were. It was evident that the “business of capitalism” is dispersed throughout his more recent works.

Overall, I was very impressed by Chester Arnold’s works. I believe various people from different walks of life can relate at least to one or more pieces of his work. To me, it was Afterword.

- Kent Cramer

American Health Thoughts

At the beginning of the summer, I read an interesting article in the May 24, 2010 Newsweek. The article was “Save Yourself” by Jonathan Finkelstein.

As I read through this article, the one thing that really sticks out is when Jonathan Finkelstein states, “Although we pay the most for our health care, the U.S. has higher rates of preventable deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and stroke than almost all other industrialized nations.” I personally relate to this statement, as both my father and youngest brother have diabetes. My brother has had several health issues due to his lack of preventative medicine.

Another thing I find sad is the lack of concern of many Americans when it comes to their overall healthiness. I am sure you can ask most Americans what they could do to improve their overall health and most will answer “eat better and exercise more.” People are bombarded with commercials, police, and driving instructors to put on their seatbelts, but when was the last time you saw an ad on television reminding you to not eat a candy bar?

Portion Sizes, Too Much?

Restaurants, both sit-down and fast food, prepare meals with portion sizes larger than needed for a healthy diet. We as Americans tend to give in to the size and eat more than we should. With our busy lifestyles, it is hard to stop and think if what we eat is what we should eat.

A Six Dollar Burger at Carl’s Jr. has 1070 calories. By comparison, a half pound hamburger made at home has an average of around 700 calories. Is the difference in the sauce, in the spices, in the marinade, or in the portion size? The meat portions are the same for both burgers, so the portion size of the condiments would have to make up the difference.

Another surprise to me was the calories in the simple Chinese fast food at Panda Express. A two entrée meal, consisting of Chow Mein, Grilled Mandarin Chicken, and Beijing Beef, added up to just over 1000 calories. Again, if the restaurant used portion sizes more appropriate to recommended calorie count, the meal could have been considerably less loaded with excess calories. I still have to take the blame on consuming the excessive portions, but would I have been satisfied with a smaller portion?

Fast food is not the culprit, even sit-down family dining promotes larger portion sizes than required for a healthy diet. For Father’s Day, my family took me to lunch at Red Robin. I had a Whiskey River BBQ Cheeseburger with fries. The real surprise came in the 1339 calories packed into the meal. I made the choice to eat the entire meal, but I know I would have been full if the meal was one third the size. So, Red Robin is just as guilty for excessive portion sizes.

After stepping back and looking at my eating habits, I feel the food industry is taking advantage of me and the rest of the American that are not familiar with proper portion sizes. Is it due to the lack of education? Or is it just that we as Americans don’t take the time to stop and think about what we eat? It is too easy to eat what is put in front of us. Even if the portion is too big we eat it because it is the portion given. I know I will be more conscience of what and how much I eat.

Internet Communication

I was thinking of ways people use the internet to communicate. There are so many forms, personally choose Facebook and Gmail to keep in contact with the important people in my life.

Facebook is a great tool to let your friends and family know what is going on in your life. However, it can also become a cumbersome chore of constant updating to current events in your life. For instance, posting what you ate for breakfast in the morning, later in the day posting what you had for lunch, and following up with posting what you had for dinner. Another frustrating thing with Facebook, when you have to wade through pages of game updates from the various Facebook based games to find relevant information on your friends.

Gmail is a simple web-based email program. It is very efficient and easy to use. The major advantage is the ability to access your email account from any computer or phone that can connect to the internet. The major disadvantage comes with the spam mail that eventually finds its way into your account. I have had my Gmail account for over a year, in that time I have forwarded all my other email accounts for convenience.

The Aging Representation

Our representatives have out aged our population. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report of the 111th Congress, published on February 4, 2010, the average age of the House of Representatives is 57.2 years. The same report states the average age of the Senate is 63.1 years. The average age of the American populace, based on an estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, is 36.9 years. When you look at these two figures, there is nearly a thirty years difference. Comparing these figures, there is between one and two generation gap between law makers and the general populace. With the speed that technology, learning, and people advance, how can this disparity be a true representation of the America we live in?

It is really interesting that we as Americans rely on our elders to guide our country. When our government was set up, was it planned for the older generation to run the politics of our nation? What are your thoughts on this?

Farmers Markets

Here it is a Thursday night, and I had to visit the farmers market down at Victoria Square. The history of farmers markets are pretty simple. Farmers from the surrounding country side would bring their wares to town to use them for bartering for other goods. Something I do love about Reno, there is pretty much a farmers market on any given day, and there is nothing like the fresh fruits and vegatables you can pick up at the markets.

However, I couldn't help but notice the various people on "the prowl." I couldn't help to chuckle a bit watching the people walking around with beers in their hands. Would you see something similar happening in the produce department at your neighborhood grocery store? I just never thought of a farmers market as a place to find my future mate.

With modern conviences in transportation, the farmers today are able to get their fresh products much greater distances. Many of the vendors at our various markets come from California. The produce is picked fresh on Tuesday and Wednesday and arrive here in Reno for sell on Thursdays. You get vine ripened fruits and vegatables for a fair price. I would suggest to anyone, if you get a chance, go down to one of the many farmers markets here in town and take a look. You might just be happy with what you get.

Decline of Social Clubs

I was thinking about social clubs today, for instance Lion's Club and Shriners. I was wondering why there has been such a decline in the need for these clubs. Only thing I could decide on was the change in how our households in the U.S. are today compared to what they were 30-40 years ago.

Many of these clubs started in the early 1900's and saw their peak in membership in the 1950's and 60's. It is my opinion that these clubs came into existence during this time as a way of "escape" for the men of the house. Most of the early to mid 1900's our society was based on single income households. For the most part, that single income was brought in by the man of the house. He would go out and work a "9-5" job Monday-Friday (there were exceptions of course). This would lead to several hours to be with his family. He needed "escape" and he found it with his fellow, like-minded friends. This took the form of the various social clubs.

In today's society, we have moved to more and more two family incomes in the household. Over 40% of American households have two incomes. This leads to very business families running in various directions. There is less "family" time spent in the household, so there is less need for "escape."

Now, this was just my thought process and not based on facts, but I would love to hear other peoples opinions on this.

Celebrity Scandals

Why do we, as Americans, hold such interest in the lives of the "famous"? Take, for instance, Tiger Woods or Lindsay Lohan recent "scandals." What is it about their celebrity standing that makes us tear them down and drag them through the dirt?

Perhaps it is the fact that we are jealous of their celebrity status. We all wish we could be them, so when they make mistakes in their personal life, we see it as an opportunity to ridicule them. Is this right or is it wrong? Do they deserve our constant assault on their personal lives? If it they were invading our lives as we invade theirs, how would we feel?

In my opinion, it isn't our place to decide what is right or wrong. People from all walks of life make mistakes, it is how we learn. We cannot expect someone to be perfect just because they are a household name. If you or I went out and cheated on our spouse, it would not be made a big deal. But Tiger Woods does it and it gets splayed all across the media. You or I get a DUI, it isn't the top news story. You get a divorce from your significant other, and who besides your family knows? It is just wrong for us to have to be so involved in the lives of those who we recognize as celebrities. They are people too.

Same Sex Marriage

Gay marriage is the next sensitive issue I wish to comment on. It is the topic of discussion across the United States. Gay marriage pops up in almost every political debate. What is it hurting? Who is it hurting?

On the religious side of the argument, marriage is the union between man and woman. Cut and dry, plain and simple. Taking this into consideration, if there is supposed to be separation between church and state, why is it a political debate? It should have absolutely no bearing on elections in any way or should never come up on the House floor. Others will argue the impact of cost with health care concerns. How is it any different than a man/woman married couple?

To me, I see no reason that a man and man or a woman and woman can't be joined in a legal union recognized by the various states across the Union. It is not our place to tell others what they can and can't do with their lives. If two people are in love with each other and want to make a legal commitment to each other, be in same sex or opposite sex, they should be able to do so in the eyes of the courts and the States.

Health Care as Americans Want It?

Recently we had a "Universal" health care law passed. How many people have seen its effects? Is it really what Americas needed? There are plenty pros and cons, what do you think?

Why is the health care plan important?

1. It makes health care available for the over 45 million Americans that do not have some form of care.
2. Health care for businesses and individuals have become increasingly more expensive and unaffordable.
3. Reduce the ridiculous mountain of paperwork needed for claims on benefits.
4. A national database that health care professionals can access to speed up care and diagnosis.
5. Health care professionals can focus more on care and less on chasing insurance monies.
6. Encourage people to seek preventative medicine.
7. Does away with the old "pre-existing" problems.

What are some of the reasons people do not want the universal care?

1. Is it possible for the federal government to run it efficiently?
2. With the current state of economics, where will the money come from to fund the program?
3. Will government standards cause decrease in doctor flexibility when it comes to care?
4. What incentives will there be for furthering research?
5. What will the transition period be like?
6. Will additional taxes be leveled on what is considered "unhealthy"? (Smoking, Fast Food, etc.)
7. How will patient confidentiality be protected?

Both of these lists of pro's and con's can go on and on. I know there are many countries across the planet that has a socialized medicine system. Our northern neighbor Canada is one for example. I have talked to a few people have came to the States from Canada, and all of them prefer our health care system to that in Canada. I, personally, am very curious how our new health care law will play out.

Immigration

This is a very touchy subject for many people. You could call be a bit of a radical, but I am going to express my opinion on this subject. I feel if you are in the States illegally, you are taking jobs from legal citizen. I also know the freedoms we have in the U.S. should be available to everyone that wants to come here, but there are a set of rules that would allow people to come here legally. I also disagree with the opponents of the Arizona immigration law. I personally have no problems with profiling. Stereotypes, though wrong, have a basis of truth.

Currently, the unemployment rate in the United States is 9.5%. In the state of Nevada, the unemployment rate is at a record setting 14%. How many jobs do illegal immigrants hold that could be held by legal U.S. citizens and immigrants? What percent of the our unemployment rate include people that are not legally allowed to work in the U.S.? Can we even put realistic numbers to these questions?

I know there is a process of immigration a person has to go through to become a legal immigrant. It may be involved, but those who are not going through the process are no different than the criminal breaking into a house or trespassing on private property. IT IS A LAW! If you break the law, you have to expect to face the punishment. Arizona is attempting to enforce a law that is set out by the United States government. Is it 100% fair, no. But is it fair for people to break the law to begin with? After all, it is what has forced the hand of Arizona law makers.

Now, please don't misinterpret my opinion. I am have several friends from countries other than the U.S. who have immigrated here legally. I know people from Bulgaria, Poland, Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador who have come to the U.S. legally. I consider many of them friends, so I am not against people coming to the U.S., I just ask that they come here through legal avenues.

The Oily Gulf

What is there to say that everyone hasn't already said? Wow, will it ever be fixed? What will the lasting effects be? How are we as a nation going to recover? The questions go on and on and on. I only wish I had the answers.

I know the ecological impact is astounding. We are already hearing about the shrimp beds and how they are being destroyed. The tar balls pelting the coasts of various states in the US and various countries throughout the Gulf. British Petroleum will be spending years and years attempting to clean up the disaster. As we move into hurricane season, I can only imagine how much further the devastation will will spread.

The economical impact is phenomenal. We are already hearing reports from fisherman who are being run out of work. Gas prices have crept up a little, but how long till we get the big hit? Will British Petroleum help the work force out in the coastal states? I feel it is only right and their responsibilty to help those who are finding themselves out of work.

I know just last week, President Obama opened up 1.8 million acres of Alaskan wilderness for oil leases to help offset the oil loss in the Gulf. What will be next for America? We need to put our foot down against "Big Oil Companies."