Henry David Thoreau, Less is More, and Fenway Park Essay

Henry David Thoreau, one of America’s most well-known New Englanders, would most probably be disappointed with recent proposals to dismantle Fenway Park in order to construct a more profitable baseball park. The past two decades have witnessed a pervasive sports trend in which professional sports franchises have sought to maximize revenues by abandoning or tearing down old stadiums in order to construct modern stadiums that incorporate a variety of other income-generating facilities into the larger sports stadium design. In Toronto, for instance, hotels and department stores have been attached to the baseball stadium in order for the owners of the Toronto Blue Jays to generate more profits through the creation of hotel and shopping markets. In the Bronx, to take another example, the venerable Yankees of New York made a decision to abandon the mythical park known as Yankees stadium in order to construct a larger and more extravagant baseball stadium right next to the old stadium. Many times, the pursuit of greater profits in this respect involves the use of essentially extortionary methods by greedy owners of sports franchises in order to force municipalities to allocate scare tax dollars toward the renovation or construction of sports facilities under a threat that the sports franchise will move to a new city willing to spend tax dollars on their behalf. The role that greed plays in this trend cannot be denied; indeed, with respect to the Red Sox, they have recently broken the curse of the Bambino by finally prevailing in the World Series and consistently sell the majority of their tickets in addition to substantial amounts of merchandise. It is unquestionable, for instance, that â€Å"The ballpark was packed with avid fans, as it always is† (Dreier 18) and that the Red Sox are one of America’s most recognizable brand names. Nonetheless, despite an extraordinarily loyal fan base and a baseball park considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing in all of sport, the Red Sox ownership is determined to raze Fenway Park in order to construct a completely new stadium. The ownership’s primary rationale is that â€Å"the current park, with 33,871 seats (the smallest in the major leagues), is â€Å"economically obsolete† and that they need the additional revenue from luxury boxes, stadium seats, and the other frills of newfangled stadiums in order to â€Å"compete† with teams that have them† (Dreier 18). Proposals for renovations have been rejected by Red Sox ownership on the grounds that a new stadium is cheaper than renovations. What emerges from proposals to destroy Fenway Park in order to construct a new stadium is fundamentally a portrait of greed. Ownership is not satisfied with current profits, even though they have proven more than adequate to compete, and one is left to wonder how much is too much and whether the smaller park might be a critical reason underlying the Red Sox mystique. Thoreau would likely be highly critical of such proposals and the proffered rational. Thoreau: Personal Style, Less is More, and Simplicity Henry David Thoreau’s mystique is intimately connected to his highly personalized writing style and his philosophical orientation. In terms of his writing style, for instance, Thoreau prefers to speak directly to his readers rather than to rely on third person narrative techniques. To this end, Thoreau rather consistently writes in the first person in a way that creates a type of conversational dialogue between the writer and the reader. In creating the context of his work Life in the Woods, Thoreau employs this first person conversation style by writing â€Å"When I wrote the following pages†¦I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from my neighbor, in a house which I had built myself† and further that â€Å"I earned my labor by the work of my hands alone. I lived there for two years and two months† (n. p. ). In addition to employing a heavily dependent first person type of narrative, Thoreau also relies on personal observations and experiences in order to test and to support his theories and his conclusions. His is a uniquely hands-on type of narrative in which he derives his insights from personal experiences rather than from hearsay taken from the observations and experiences of other people. To be sure, Thoreau does at times reference the theories and the works of other people. He is obviously a well-read writer and he cites proverbs and theories from people as diverse as famous Buddhists, Hindus, and Western writers. All of these outside references, however, are structurally subordinate to his own observations, theoretical premises, and proffered conclusions. This type of first person narrative gives rise to what is extraordinarily analogous to a type of personal and philosophical quest in which Thoreau appears to be challenging conventional wisdom in several respects. Thus, in addition to a writing style that is deeply personal, Thoreau also succeeds in allowing the reader to share in his journey or quest. This is because his writing is richly descriptive in a way that makes it nearly impossible to sever the descriptions of New England’s natural environment from the philosophical and economic assumptions and conclusions that he is simultaneously addressing, considering, and commenting upon. At the same that he discusses the economics of constructing his house he also describes in excruciating detail the type of natural materials used for the construction and the benefits of understanding the qualities of these raw materials in order to most effectively construct his new home. Nature, in effect, represents both a source of intellectual illumination and a liberty to live life in a manner than obviates destructive human characteristics such as greed and desperation in the face of perceived deprivations. He remarks in this respect that I go and come with a strange liberty in Nature, a part of herself (n.  p. ). Thoreau’s writing style, in sum, is deeply personal and it invites the reader to join his search for meaning in a world in which human existence cannot be severed from nature. Although he is most well-known as a literary philosopher, a careful review of Thoreau’s writing also demonstrates that he comments to a great extant on economics as well. He basically argues that human beings have made daily life too complicated. It has become too complicated because people desire things such as fame, money, and extravagance in ways that have no limitation. There is no final stage of happiness, people always want more, and as a result people are destined to be unhappy because there is no comfortable or moderate level of accomplishment. He states in this respect that â€Å"Most men†¦through mere ignorance or mistake, are so occupied with the facetious cares and superfluously coarse labours of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by them† (n. p. ). People therefore need to set modest goals consistent with nature in ways that will result in contentment and moderation. He characterizes this as a simple approach to life in which happiness is best achieved by avoiding extreme desires. Desperation, whether in terms of fame or profit, is therefore a destructive and should be avoided. In addition to being well-known as a philosopher, there is much economic discussion and wisdom in Thoreau’s writings. The fundamental economic theme advocated by Thoreau is that â€Å"When it comes to economic consumption, less is more† (Cafaro 26). A desperate desire for public acclaim and wealth wastes natural resources and is unnecessary to the attainment of a successful and happy life. In short, Thoreau’s personalized writing style functions as a type of personal appeal for human beings to become happier and more self-sufficient by using resources wisely and by being content with reasonable limits in daily life rather than pursuing ever higher levels of artificial accumulation. Fenway Park through Thoreau’s Eyes Upon learning of the proposed demolition of Fenway Park, I decided to pack up my backpack with some clothes and camped in the visitor’s bullpen. It was my desire to learn whether the players and the fans were happy with the stadium. I spent afternoons in the parking lot, attending tailgate parties with fans, and evenings in my perch in the bullpen chatting with home and visiting players. I did not have to purchase tickets, the owners of the Red Sox having invited me to live in the bullpen for a month hoping that I would lend their proposals a vote of confidence after personally witnessing the ostensibly decrepit state of the famed stadium, and I crafted a tent from practice uniforms and baseball bats in the evening to shield me from the chilly climate of Boston’s evenings and early mornings. Shelter and access secure, I turned my attentions to warming my body and found that the natural confines of Boston were more than adequate for purposes of sustenance. The fans offered hot dogs during games, hamburgers during tailgate parties, and vendors were always kind enough to provide me with care packages on days that the Red Sox played away or had open dates. I was, in sum, housed and fed and free to engage in my observations of the fans and players in Fenway Park. Most players and fans seemed genuinely happy and content, subject of course to the scores of individual games, and as I sat in the bullpen I thought I began to understand. It is true that Fenway Park is an extraordinarily old baseball stadium, that it is not as shiny or polished as other stadiums in the league, and yet there was a natural and pristine quality that seemed in many ways to transcend contemporary baseball. The morning dew clung to the outfield grasses of green and contributed to the firm natural turf in a way that allowed the outfielders to maintain a firm footing rather than sliding or slipping in pursuit of line drives slapped by hitters into the gaps. The grass dried in the afternoons and was soft enough to cushion a player’s fall if diving for a pop-up became necessary. The grasses of Fenway were both aesthetically pleasing, a part of Boston’s natural environment, and friend rather than for players tumbling to the ground. It occurred to me one early morning that other stadiums had torn up their natural grass and replaced it with Astroturf and other forms of artificial grass. The motives were fundamentally economic in nature, premised in an accountant’s calculation that maintenance fees would be cheaper so that profits could be maximized, and the results were disappointing. These artificial turfs faded in color and peeled. Fans and players complained. The sun glared off the turf and blinded fans who had paid good money for tickets. The smell of the grass was gone and the fields became plastic stages rather than natural turfs. More, the comforting textures of grass fields torn up, players began to suffer more injuries and more serious types of injuries on artificial turf. Under the turf, another cost-saving measure, was a concrete and hard-rubber base. Players suffered ligament tears previously uncommon on grass fields and bones were more frequently broken when players have fallen on the grass. The turf is unnatural, it is unforgiving, and it does not interact naturally with the human body. This illustrates the danger of change premised on profit without a due regard being given to other salient factors. The artificial turf denigrated the visual aesthetic of watching a baseball game in person and led to decreased ticket sales; in the same way, increased injuries led to more expensive medical bills and lost playing time that imposed costs far in excess of the initial savings envisioned when the grass was torn out and the artificial turf was installed. Alterations have consequences and it is difficult to imagine fixing something that is not broken. The grass in Fenway represents the purity of the game and is firmly etched in the minds of all that have visited as fans or played as players at Fenway Park. Fans and players are satisfied, the quality of the game is intact, and the ownership’s preoccupation with profit must be analyzed in light of the downfalls experienced in the case of artificial turf. There is more to baseball, both as a sport and as entertainment, that size and glamour. The beauty is in the finer details and the owners would be well-advised to consider the risks of destroying a beautiful thing for profit alone. It would also be wise to consider the consequences of replacing the lovingly certain with the uncertain. A peek into the stands demonstrates fans who are committed, loyal, and knowledgeable. There is a sea of Red Sox colors, families cheering and grimacing, and a uniformity of aspiration that seems difficult if not impossible to attain in outside settings. These fans are possessed with a common cause, the success of their beloved Red Sox, and this singularness of purpose transcends differences in their individual lives and diverse backgrounds and personalities. Fenway is a unifying force, it has since its inception been a unifying force for the people of New England generally and Bostonians more specifically, and this unity has been cultivated and reinforced by human fascination by such structures as the Green Monster in left field and such Red Sox heroes as Ted Williams. One might copy the Green Monster, a short but towering fence in left field, but it would never be the same in a new field. More, given ownership’s perverse fascination with profit, it is plausible that the new left field fence would be lowered to accommodate more seats capable of selling more tickets. A new park would become standard rather than distinctive and one of the park’s major draws would be eliminated. The same is true with the way in which memories of past heroes would be dished; ted Williams batted over . 400 while walking and running within the confine of Fenway Park; his memory would fade with the demolished park. Heroes and physical attractions are attached to Fenway park and cannot be duplicated. Finally, there are questions pertaining to audience; as a writer, I am well aware of the fact that audiences are truer indicators of fame and reception than profits. What quality of fan, for instance, shall be attracted to a modern stadium with modern and non-baseball related amenities? Will the common man be priced out of attending Red Sox games in a sport cathedral dedicated to profit rather than community and sport? These are questions worth considering; they are worth considering because, in truth, the fame of the Red Sox is dependent on its natural environment. This natural environment, in turn, includes the history of the franchise, the intimacy that Fenway Park cultivates between fan and franchise, and an audience that is fervently dedicated to the team. Removing Fenway Park may very well destroy these symbiotic relations and taint the brand value of the Boston Red Sox. Tearing down Fenway Park for a new stadium is like tearing down the forests for a new housing development. Nothing will ever be the same.

Cause and Effect Essay Example Essay

What is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? Many people would guess cancer, but they would be wrong. The leading cause of death over the past few years has been heart disease. Last year, heart diseases claimed the lives of more than 600,000 Americans. The most common of these is acute myocardial infarction, better known as a heart attack. Each year, about 720,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack. That averages to almost two thousand heart attack cases a day! So why are there so many heart attacks? The answer is simple: by eating unhealthily, not exercising, and smoking, millions of people put themselves at risk of suffering a heart attack. One of the main causes of a heart attack is an unhealthy diet. Because eating healthily costs more, people turn to cheap fast food instead. This fast food is loaded with cholesterol, an important lipid used in the membranes of cells. However, if a person eats too much cholesterol, the excess begins to build up along the wall of the person’s arteries. This substance, called plaque, inhibits the flow of blood to the heart. Consequentially, the heart has to pump much harder to circulate the blood. An unhealthy diet also leads to high blood pressure which further increases the build up of plaque and other fatty matter in the arteries. All of this plaque causes decreased blood flow to the heart which makes it weaker. Although the decreased flow of blood can cause heart problems later on, the real danger is the risk that a piece of the plaque could break off, leaving a gap. If this happens, red blood cells form a clot on top of the plaque which could result in the blockage of the entire artery, causing a heart attack. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best ways to lower the risk of having a heart attack. Another factor that increases the risk of having a heart attack is lack of exercise. The heart is a muscle and like any other muscle, it becomes stronger by exercising. Sadly, many people do not and the heart stays weak. It does not pump as well, leading to decreased capability in the future, and numerous health problems. Exercising also prevents clotting in the arteries, therefore lowering the chances of having the arteries blocked. Lazy people who sit and watch television all day miss out on this benefit, and increase the likelihood of a heart attack. Finally, exercise reduces inflammation in the arteries, optimizing blood flow and reducing the threat of a heart attack. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to exercise, and they suffer from poor blood flow, inflammation of the arteries, and increased risk of heart problems. By not exercising, people put themselves in danger of suffering a heart attack. Finally, countless heart attacks are caused by smoking. Surprisingly, about one in every five deaths from heart disease is caused by smoking. Everybody knows that smoking leads to breathing issues and lung cancer, but what most people do not realize is that smoking also puts people at a higher risk of having a heart attack. The 4,000 or more poisonous substances in a cigarette harm blood vessels throughout the body, including the heart. They also increase the likelihood of blood clots in the arteries which cause heart attacks. Next, smoking causes the arteries to narrow which reduces blood flow further. This means that it does not take as big of a clot to cause a heart attack. Lastly, the carbon monoxide breathed in from smoking replaces the oxygen that would have been breathed in. The carbon monoxide then binds to the red blood cells and is distributed to the body instead of oxygen. This poisons the whole body, including the heart, and makes it have to do more work to supply the body with oxygen. By smoking these lethal substances, people put themselves in the clutches of the leading cause of death in the world. In a society where the fast-food industry booms, video games replace exercise, and cigarettes litter the streets everywhere, it is not surprising that so many people have heart attacks each year. Many people choose to eat unhealthily, lounge around all day, and smoke, endangering their overall health and putting themselves at risk of a heart attack. However, people always have a choice. Although all these things can cause a heart attack, they are not really the underlying problem. The irresponsible behavior and foolish decisions of people is really behind the leading cause of death in America.

Pakistan Tourism Essay

Dented with political crisis and economic instability Pakistan has been unable to promote its tourism industry to the world. This does not mean that Pakistan is not a tourism destination. From scenic landscapes to a diverse culture, Pakistan has tremendous potential in terms of tourism. Before the economic crisis struck the world and when the economic and political climate of the country was stable, Pakistan received more than 500,000 tourists. From the ruins of civilizations such as Moenjodaro, Taxila and Harappa to the peaks of the Himalayan hill stations which stand at above 7000ft, Pakistan has lots to offer. Lahore, the second largest city is the cultural and fashion hub of Pakistan. The Lahore fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens and the Tomb of Jahangir are key Mughal architectural icons of the city. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan as one of the top 25 tourist destinations due to its abundance of World Heritage sites such as Moenjodaro, Taxila, Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, monuments of Thatta, Fort and Shalimar Gardens and the Rohtas Fort (www. tourism. gov. pk ). K2, the world’s second highest mountain attracts numerous mountain climbers from across the globe each year. The northern part of Pakistan boasts a large amount of forts and ancient architecture such as the Chitral and Hunza valley also known for their scenic beauty. Other peaks such as Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi are also renowned and are supported by remote resorts which provide an ideal summer get away for tourists (Rehmat Karim Baig, 2005). The country also hosts various festivals and fairs that are aimed at attracting tourists. The ski resorts in the northern part have annual skiing championships. Moreover, paragliding shows, the cholistan jeep rally, Kalash festival, Silk Route festival and Polo Festivals are held regularly. Trekking, Skiing, rafting, hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, fishing, bird watching and camel safaris are some unique experiences Pakistan has to offer in terms of adventure tourism. With a classic topography including towering mountains, narrow passes and beautiful glaciers the country is heaven for the adventure centered tourists (www. pakistan4ever. com). Pakistan also offers spiritual tourism for various religions and ethnicities such as Buddhists and Sikhs form neighboring countries. The Indus Valley gave rise to various civilizations and gained fame throughout the world. Sport tourism is also a major attraction. The Shandur Polo Festival is the most attracting sports festival for both local and foreign tourists. Other sports include white water rafting, rock climbing, angling and mountain biking (Mujahida Noreen, 2002). Tours and Packages are easily accessible for tourists which include day trips to heritage sites, city trips, summer and winter packages. Apart from the hill stations and culturally diverse landscape, Pakistani cities of Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi are an adventure in themselves. From the lively shopping districts of Karachi to the scrumptious meals in Lahore, each city has its specialty. Pakistani tourists on the other hand are major contributors to the tourism revenue. The northern hill stations of Ayubia and Nathiagali are renowned for there scenic beauty, tranquility and adventures. Lahore is the fashion capital of Pakistan and offers numerous shopping and food service facilities. The ‘Food Street’ in Lahore is most renowned because of its delicacies. Tourism in Pakistan is endless, with so much to offer, the country is a haven for tourists of all kinds. Visit Pakistan and you will never regret it (Government of Pakistan, UNDP, and WTO, 2000). References 1. Mujahida Noreen. (2002). Tourism in Pakistan. Univeristy of Michigan: National Institute of Pakistan Studies. 2. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from www. tourism. gov. pk 3. Pakistan Travel and Tourism Guide. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from www. pakistan4ever. com 4. Rehmat Karim Baig, (2005). â€Å"Mountaineering and Tourism Promotion in Chitral†, proceeding Report -Seminars on Mountain Tourism, pp. 31-3. 5. Government of Pakistan, UNDP, and WTO. (2000). Tourism Master Plan-Pakistan, Madrid.

Roles and Function of the Texas Legislature Term Paper

Roles and Function of the Texas Legislature - Term Paper Example The constitution divides the United States’ Congress into the Senate and the House of Representatives. Of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives, the Texas State has 36 representatives for each district (Agnew, 2008). Every state is apportioned a number of seats in the House depending on the state’s population proportion in the country (Agnew, 2008). Reapportionment occurs every ten years following a census. The reapportionment involves deciding which districts within the state get to have representative members of Congress following a decennial census (Agnew, 2008). The process also involves redistricting which involves redrawing of the district lines in the respective state to serve a two-year term. The Texas legislature passes reapportionment bills, which amend the state apportioned counties to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The state’s legislature also lines up representatives for the Senate.Through the appointment of representatives to the U.S Congress, the Texas Legislature helps to represent the political agenda of the state in Congress. The representatives in the both the Senate and the House of Representatives have voting power on all matters of the Constitution. It is their function to ensure they represent the views of their constituents in Congress. The Texas legislature also helps shape the political landscape of the entire nation. Members of both the Senate and House of Representative vote on certain constitutional issues.

Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Politics - Essay Example Thus, they could be distinguished in accordance to the effective number of parties that they have (Golosov, 2010). As mentioned, party systems come in various types. Two of the most popular are the two-party system and the multi-party system. A two-party system is a state by which democracies are dominated by only two parties. While there may be other parties existing in the sidelines, those are of no real threat to the two main ones and exercise no real political significance. In this system, either of the parties should be able to gain enough numbers of working majority post-election and obtain a position that will allow it to govern without the other party’s support. Expectedly, power will change rotationally in a two-party system (historylearningsite.co.uk, 2011). Moreover, in a two-party system, the voter is presented with a simple choice. Additionally, in this type of party system, political moderation is promoted since the incumbent party can appeal to the so-called â⠂¬Å"floating voters† in the concerned country. ... However, this is not good for two-party systems. Recent history would also show that the two houses of congress have always been rules by the Democrats up until the time the people voted for George W. Bush. Another country that makes use of the two-party system is Jamaica. This country’s two-party system started during the political rivalry of William Bustamante and Norman Manley. The system that Jamaica has is very similar to the two-party system in North America. The two parties fighting for positions in Jamaica are JLP and PNP. The system in Jamaica differs from the one in the US and Britain due to the following, (1) the wealthy in Jamaica, who are basically the ones that becomes the leaders in the country, are closely knit that of the 1st five prime ministers are related; and (2) the political frame of reference in Jamaica is not class or race but party identification. The members of each party are extremely loyal due mainly to their very strong family ties. At times, viol ence can be the result of antagonism against the other party. Other countries with two-party system of government are New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada (Conservatives and Liberals) and Australia (Liberal Party and Labour Party which has been affected by a third party, i.e., the Country Party) (eb.com, n.d.). On the other hand, the multi-party system is one that is made up of more than two political parties that impacts the country’s politics and are able to control government either separately or via a coalition with other parties. In this system, the effective number of parties is from 3 to 10. Under this system, numerous political parties, both major

Analyze Thomas More's Utopia in terms of his purposes and Essay

Analyze Thomas More's Utopia in terms of his purposes and characteristics he assigns to the state of Utopia What does he have to - Essay Example Hythloday talks about Utopia’s history and geography and tells that Utopia was once Isthmus before General Utopus conquered it. Hythloday puts forth a very civilized image of the Utopian society. He says that Utopians are rational in their thinking and dealing with one another. Property is communal. People of utopia are highly productive and do not run after money or gold. They value human life and etiquettes more than power and money. Class distinction is non existent in Utopia and so is the poverty. People are tolerant in religious matters and crime and offence is negligible. The society is better than any society in Europe. Finally, (More) says that he would appreciate it if few of the Utopian policies were inculcated in the European system, though he sees little to no chance of it in reality. Works Cited: More, Thomas. Utopia. UK: Bibliolis Books Ltd, 2010. Print.

Crockett & Tubbs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crockett & Tubbs - Assignment Example There are legal frameworks that guide the formation and fulfillment of business contracts. There are ethical practices that form the business culture of any business establishment. A contract formation consists of several stages. In the case of Crockett and Tubbs, the contract was at the negotiation stage. If an agreement had been reached and the business contract signed by both parties, then such a contract is not to be contravened, since it is legally binding. In law, under the rule of contract, when a business matter, transaction or contract is completed, it is final. Failure for Crockett to sale the Ferrari Daytona at $250,000 would lead to a court case. Otherwise, if a contract had not been signed, Tubbs negotiators can be influenced by the increase in demand for the Ferrari Daytona and change the terms of negation so as to make more profits. For this case, Crockett had not signed a business contract with Tubbs and therefore, the law leaves the decision upon Tubbs to either change the terms and conditions. The aim of a business is to generate profits. To achieve this, the business must establish a nourishing relationship with its partners in business. Crockett should be guided by ethical principles of business conduct. A legitimate business will make the customer come for more and therefore, to reinforce the relationship and also ensure sustainable business, Crockett ought to sell the Ferrari Daytona to Tubbs at $250,000. Some business individuals advance the argument that there is a mutual relationship between ethics and business. They presume that ethics naturally comes to those businesses that are profit-oriented. This argument has both weak and strong versions. For the present case of Crockett and Tubbs, a profit-oriented approach may seem to provide a short term success (Fieser, 1996). Businesses which are thriving are those that have embraced ethical practices