Finals Studying

As I prepare for my U.S. Foreign Policy Final, I am again realizing how much I love the topic. I don't love history because I like to recount famous battles or documents. I study it because I love to study great men and women. The historical aspects that they usher into our nation come with the territory, but I am more interested in the often tragic elements of the people themselves. I wonder, as I read about President Nixon, for example, what it must have felt like to be him. He is associated with so many unpleasant memories for the nation, but we must remember that he too was just a man. He had a family, a past, and dreams just like the rest of us. He just happened to be President. I certainly don't like to revel in other people's sadness but it is just absolutely fascinating to study this man's uprising and subsequent downfall. I may be in the minority, when I state that I think he was a good man who just got mixed up in the wrong things. With those that possess greatness, as we learn in theater, there is always a rise and fall, and perhaps no one better exemplifies this natural cycle than Nixon.

Backstage

I'm not sure how many of you are Theater Majors and I'm not sure how many of those have actually had the opportunity to be among the cast and crew in a working production. I can't imagine I'm one of a lucky few, but for those who haven't been backstage while a play is on, even during a run through, I can't recommend the experience more.

Behind the curtain or teaser, peeking out at the performance from the sides, you just see so much more. The actors and the show, yes, but you also see those waiting in the wings (if you're not already hovering over them trying to get a good look at the action). Getting up on the ropes or the cage (not every stage is the same but the last one I worked on had a cage with a magnificent view) just makes it better. Seeing things form a different perspective - the actors on stage, off stage, the crew scrambling around wildly, set pieces ready to be moved, even the audience out there, clapping and cheering for more or listening with rapt attention.

It makes all the work and time and toil so worth it.

So much work, So little time

Hi Everyone,
This is my first blog post ever! I figured it would about time to start since we need to complete 100 by the end of the semester, but the only thing on my mind right now is all the work I have to do. Its awesome that I dont have class untile 2:20pm but there are so many meetings, assignments, and events that I have to attend before class, then even more meetings after class. I enjoy the meetings and clubs, but it leaves little time to complete al the assignments from classes.
To keep this under vitalism vs. .materialism topic, I think computers, technologies, and all those gadgets are immensely helpful in keeping up with all this work. I receive emails directly to my phone the moment they are received, I can also send emails from my phone, check the internet, and do so many different types of homework through a laptop. I can't imagine how our parents parents did everything we do now back before technology was as big as it is now. Sure some people may say that technology takes away from quality time, but on the contrary, I think it creates more quality time. If I did not have my phone with its capabilities I would not be able to complete club assignments and emails through it and would lose spending time with my girlfriend. Well I should get back to other work now, I will be posting more pics for future blogs.

Night,
Alex Alvarez