Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Khalil A. Rahsheed

            This time of year reminds me of the holiday season a year ago, and a class I took and its instructor. We were discussing the etiquette of holiday greetings. Our instructor informed the class that he felt displeasure and insult when greeted with the phrase “happy holidays”; yet felt that it was perfectly acceptable for him to greet everyone with Merry Christmas whether they celebrated the holiday or not. His attitude seemed to me to be inconsiderate and hypocritical. Saying Merry Christmas is no different than saying Merry Christian Holy Day. The instructor said he really just wanted everyone to experience the real Christmas spirit.

            At this point I began to wonder if he was sincere or was only attempting to encourage debate. I explained that I had never celebrated Christmas my entire life and was not a Christian, but thought it polite to respond to those who greeted me with Merry Christmas, with happy holidays. While Merry Christmas directly references Christian Theology, happy holidays simply encourages everyone to enjoy their respective holidays in a happy manner whatever those holy days may be. I still don’t understand his stance. Was he implying that since he indeed has the correct religious perspective that any other greeting other than Merry Christmas during this holy day season would be blasphemous or sacrilegious?

The instructor asked me if I felt insulted being wished a Merry Christmas? I responded that ‘for the most part’ I didn’t any longer feel insult or injury with the greeting, but that rarely I did. When I have family or acquaintances who have known me for decades, some of whom have known me and my viewpoints for my lifetime, and they insist on wishing me a Merry Christmas, I believe insult or injury is intended.   At the end of the course the instructor wished everyone a Merry Christmas and I wished him a happy holidays. I suppose you could say we agreed to disagree. What do you think?

Three famous Quotes

Khalil A. Rahsheed   

Roger Stasio

EN 1102 LS D

06 September 2011   

Three Famous Quotes

  The first of the three quotes that I would like to share is “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” This quote is from Arthur C. Clarke. This is certainly one of my favorite quotes not only because it supports my personal beliefs, but because it helps to explain how superstitions are born. Multitudes of people believe in ideas or concepts that have no basis in fact, reason or reality, and say they hold those beliefs based on faith. Now I’ll use my second quote in support of my argument for the first. In the words of Steveland Morris (Stevie Wonder) “If you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer. Superstition ‘ain’t the way!”

              What was Stevie singing about? Whenever a person views a religion they consider primitive they consider the practitioners of that religion superstitious; never considering their own religion or beliefs as equally superstitious. Most of my family that subscribe to an established religion are Christians, “Jehovah’s Witnesses” to name the specific sect.  I personally am an agnostic. While I believe in spirits and gods, my perception and description of these entities is probably far from and foreign to the most popularly held beliefs concerning God and spirits.

              My third quote is from the Bible, John 10: 33-35 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods” ³⁵ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came?”  (New International Version). The “King James” version has it  ³⁴ “Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’^[a]? ³⁵ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside.  ³⁴Jesus replied: “In your Scriptures doesn't God say, "You are gods"? ³⁵You can't argue with the Scriptures and God spoke to those people and called them gods. (Contemporary English Version).   Has the word of God come to you? If it has according to the Bible you’re a god! Imagine that, is that an idea you’ve ever considered? I’ll bet it isn’t.

References:

"Arthur C. Clarke Quotes - The Quotations Page." Quotes and Famous Sayings - The Quotations Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Sept. 2011. <http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Arthur_C._Clarke/>.

Cook, David L., and Ph.D.. "BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. N.p., n.d. Web. 6

 

Internet Etiquette

Khalil A. Rahsheed

20 June 2011

Internet Etiquette

            A recent posting on Facebook by a friend raised a question for me. If an acquaintance, friend or family member makes as error in grammar spelling or composition do we correct them on-line or not? We all have Facebook friends who we don’t share phone numbers with. If they post photographs which we don’t particularly find even remotely attractive, do we comment on them? Do we have any obligation to correct information that may be posted that we know is incorrect? I’m asking these questions because the social network doesn’t seem very social at times. At times the dialogue isn’t just rude it’s downright ignorant. Etiquette in general has become very lax and the internet and Facebook in particular are prime examples. Will good manners ever make a comeback or will everyone begin behaving like bawdy comedians trying to out-shock everyone else? What’s wrong with behaving decently?

The use of Computers in Military Training

Khalil A. Rahsheed

Kevin Schreiber

ET 2202

07 May 2011

The use of Computers in Military Training

Computer Based Instruction

Using computer games as a method of training is now well established but has yet prove to be an effective aid in acquiring various military skills. CMI or computer managed instruction and CAI or computer assisted instructions, which were part of studies conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis of, Arlington, VA. , these were studies that seem to show contradictory results; with the results varying with the various participants. But the military is attempting to teach military skills in a safe environment; which is a commendable aspiration. One Such skill that might not come to mind immediately is negotiation. “BiLat" is a game that simulates interaction between local leaders and officials in Iraq, during talks and get-togethers. This game attempts to teach practical interaction skills between our soldiers and civilians who are under their authority, an invaluable skill. "Operation Flashpoint Red River" from Codemasters, is a gaming system which has been distributed to over a 100 different locations around the globe. Among other tactics one game was designed to teach ambushed convoys how to protect themselves better in the event of an ambush. Another in the series attempts to give participants a realistic experience from an infantryman’s perspective. "Virtual Battlespace" or VBS is a series of games that attempt to teach various military skills as well. One of which is a virtual helicopter simulation game. This game is used in conjunction with an actual helicopter simulator to teach pilots with realistic scenarios and conditions. "Nuerosky" and “Mindflex” from Mattel are examples of computer games which demonstrate an exciting new development not only in gaming and military technology but for technology in general. In these games the player’s Electroencephalography, which is the electrical activity along a person’s scalp, operates the game via a headset. In other words, the player’s thoughts operate the functions of the game rather than a joystick or keyboard. While this type of technology is exciting and highly anticipated, the military doesn't expect to implement this type of technology any time in the near future. In the words of Arthur C. Clarke “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

References:

. <http://www.adlnet.gov/Technologies/Evaluation/Library/White%20Papers/What%20Have%20We%20Learned%20About%20Computer-Based%20Instruction%20in%20Military%20Training.pdf>.

             Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke's_three_laws>.

            "February 2011." ONE STOP INFO. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.cituzones.co.cc/2011_02_01_archive.html>.

            "Mattel.com : Makers of Barbie and Other Popular Dolls." AboutUs: Easy-To-Understand Tools & Resources For SEO & Web Marketing. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.aboutus.org/Mattel.com>.

            Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography>.

Web. <Institute for Defense Analysis, Arlington, VA.>.

What is a good employer?

Khalil A. Rahsheed

T. Fry

Business Ethics CM 1800

A Good Employer

            To be a good employer is to be practically or ethically speaking an individual who desires to promote the greatest good for the world, using the utility principle. Solely seeking to produce profit is, ethically speaking, a form of egoism, finding ways to make money for the company or oneself regardless of all others.  While utilizing the utility principle; the stakeholders: investors, employees, and customers, none possess a more important position in the employers consideration in creating a successful business formula that benefits all. A good employer is one who will provide an opportunity for his or her employees own growth, as well as in the business community and world at large. While any employer has to turn a profit to sustain the business; the profit margin should not be the focus of any employer, and certainly not of a good employer. To uplift, enlighten and employ are definitely the characteristics of an employer who is considerate of the world around him of her. A good employer need not exploit his or her employees to make a profit. A living wage can still be paid to workers while the company still makes a profit. So for anyone to say that wages are not an ethical concern is absurd. America would not have a minimum wage if citizens didn’t believe that wages were not an ethical issue! Let’s remember, ethics is: the perception of right or wrong, good or evil. Freed slaves after the American Civil War were offered jobs at slave wages, essentially room and board. One could say that they had the ability to refuse those opportunities and split hairs about what is right or wrong; but it is clearly an ethical issue.     

           

Langston Hughes Visits Akron

Langston Hughes Visits Akron

            Monday, February 28, 2011 our local newspaper the “Akron Beacon Journal” published and article by Mark J. Price. In his article Mr. Price details the controversy surrounding Mr. Hughes’ visit to our town, during the era of the “Red Scare.” I consider this an extremely significant article in light of the encroachment of the “religious right” and other theologically based groups or organizations who feel driven to manipulate American politics. The fact that this article appeared on the last day of Black History Month put a smile on my face, because so much of black history is presented in a framework of theology. I found it refreshing to read about perceptions of black history from a secular standpoint. The Ohio connection with Hughes was a pleasant surprise as well: his grandmother was Mary Leary Langston. You hear that blood family, a Langston. Please checkout the article, I believe you’ll enjoy it.

References:

Price, Mark J. "No Ryhme or Reason." Ohio.com - Www.ohio.com. Akron Beacon Journal, 28 Feb. 2011. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. <http://www.ohio.com/>.

Newspaper Article

Ultimate Truth

Khalil A. Rahsheed

Gregory McCoy

Composition 1 TD III

Truth

            Yesterday’s science fiction is today’s science fact. I’m old enough to remember Dick Tracy’s wristwatch communicator, and our ‘Weekly Reader’ elementary school newspaper which regaled the students with predictions of the future and advanced technology. I also recall how my mother howled with laughter when I excitedly shared an article with her, which described how we would be purchasing and wearing clothing made from recycled plastic. If we went back in time a hundred years and described our present world with its technology and civilization, it wouldn’t be true to that listening audience unless we could verify it for them. What has changed in the interim is mankind’s perception of what is true, real or possible. As we become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings our perceptions change, our truths change. If consciousness is infinite then so is perception, which becomes a never-ending story. Our truths would constantly change with our perspectives. Is it possible for man to travel to Mars? At one time mankind wondered if it were possible to circumnavigate the globe, and to many the answer was no. Ultimate truth can only be observed from the ultimate perspective. Perhaps you’re right; I suppose someone could reach that level. It’s like our aha moments, the world didn’t change we did. Our perceptions were clearer. Can there be and end to ever increasing consciousness?  I don’t think so.

'Heart of Darkness' and Truth

This was written by me in response to an assignment given in my Composition class; I hope you'll respond to it whether you agree or not.

Khalil A. Rahsheed

Gregory McCoy

Composition 1

13 January 2011

‘Heart of Darkness’ TD III

In Marlow’s case his quote is a bit of hypocrisy. Marlow is the main character in Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’. After a journey into the Congo and a stint as a steamboat captain, he returns to his native London and meets with the fiancée of an acquaintance (Kurtz) he had made in the Congo. He informs her of Kurtz’s final moments, but lies to her as to what Kurtz’s final words were. Here he’s describing his utter distaste for lying but his intention was obviously to spare the young lady any further grief over the death of her fiancée. So while he may be conflicted about lying he obviously felt that he had chosen the lesser of two evils; lie about Kurtz’s final words or further injure the feelings of the unfortunate fiancée.

As some of you may know ‘Heart of Darkness has inspired at least two movies that I am aware of. There was a version with the same title, which was an adaptation of the book starring John Malkovich; and ‘Apocalypse Now’ starring Martin Sheen. For whatever reason after reading the threaded discussion I was completely unable to get ‘Apocalypse Now’ out of my head. So when Mr. McCoy announced that we would critique a movie for our next essay, I had to hold back the laughter; even more than I usually have to. It’s that ‘synchronicity thing’ all over again. Significant coincidences are commonplace in my life.

Truth

Jane Tompkins is saying that the truth is subjective or perspectival as she puts it. I'm sure that most people will consider that idea absurd, believing that ultimate truth exists, but I am in complete agreement with her, our perspective or subjectivity creates our truth. Here let us consider some examples of how perspective forms our truth. Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered America. Christopher Columbus never set foot on the North or South American continents, he landed in the Caribbean thinking he was in India; and we've been calling the indigenous people Indians until recently; now deferring to Native Americans.

            Lee Harvey Oswald was accused of being a lone gunman who assassinated President John F. Kennedy. How do we know this? Because the Warren commission appointed by President Johnson to investigate the assassination said so. I think you'd be 'hard pressed' to find anybody in America, or the world for that matter, who actually believes that Oswald acted alone. Whether we trust the Warren commission or our government is a matter of perspective. Anyone who fully trusts both would consider any other explanation as absurd; and would feel that the Warren commissions gave the world the truth. Obviously not everyone agreed with the commissions findings. A plethora of movies, books, and articles have since been produced which purport to completely refute the commissions findings. But, some of you are asking, there still has to be someone who knows what happened. There has to be ultimate truth. Lee Harvey Oswald claimed that he had been a 'patsy'. If he didn't know exactly what happened, didn't know the truth, who did?

            I have members of my own family that still deny that evolution ever took place; or that dinosaurs ever really existed. No amount of books, magazine articles, documentary films or any other type of explanatory material, not even dinosaur bones or fossils is going to change their perspective, their truth. I again agree with Tompkins that not only is it old-fashioned but unrealistic to think that you can find the truth. Go on-line and type in any subject, and as you know you will get thousands of different answers to any given subject, all from a different perspective maintaining their own truth.