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What U.S. Americans Should Know About Costa Rica

Posted August 19, 2006

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To Costa Ricans, as well as residents of other Latin American nations, the United States is more than just another country.  At times it is a goliath, a threat, a parasite, a monster.  At times it is a promised land, a comfort, a benefactor, a lifesaver.  But it always remains one thing:  an influence.  Costa Ricans (or Ticos as they prefer to be called, a nickname earned by their tendency to add endearing suffixes onto their words), experience the influence of the United States every day of their lives.  As a result, they have a relationship with our country – one that most of us don’t know about, don’t appreciate, and as a result, can’t learn from.

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Earth Day Special:  The Earth in First Person

Posted April 22, 2006

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Throughout history, nature has been the enemy of the civilized world.  Nature flooded our villages.  Nature stalked into our homes and carried away our children.  Nature failed to provide what we helplessly depended upon her for.  Nature is uncomfortable - too hot, too cold, itchy, scary, boring, dangerous, in fact - merciless.  However, by the twentieth century, advanced civilizations have conquered her.  We have effectively created an iron curtain so strong that we can live our whole lives without giving her a thought.  We are the victors!

But wait!  She is regaining her strength.

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Art Only Captured

Posted June 11, 2006

Photography by Brad Hibbard

Brad Hibbard is a fellow student in my photography class.  He hadn't had any experience with photography before the class, but he has found an art that he really loves.  When I discovered his talent, I asked him to share his work with us on the Wind.  The following pictures were taken, developed, and printed by Brad.  That means, unlike the photos of mine that were on this site, these are scanned from the prints themselves.  These not only reflect his skill on the camera end of the process, but his skill in the darkroom as well. 

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School Art Programs:  Necessary for Self-Actualization?

Posted April 18, 2006

Opinion essay by Tristan Hicks

Let's face it: while most consider the Arts important, in recent times school arts programs (by "arts programs" I mean Art, Music, Theatre, and Creative Writing) have taken a back seat to the more "concrete" subjects of Science, Math, English, and History. I believe that this reduction in focus may inhibit children from achieving self actualization later in life. Self actualization is defined as "the instinctual need of a human to make the most of their unique abilities." A self actualized person, simply put, has achieved a fullness of being. One of the qualities that must be acquired to meet self actualization is knowing how to express oneself. Without programs that encourage free expression, many students never learn how.

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Wind News: Ads Return, Help Wanted, Droid Joins Readership

 !Most Recent! Posted August 20, 2006

The WIND Radio CD sales went relatively well and provided enough money for nine months of ad-free service.  The site actually went without ads for eleven months though, which I paid for myself.  But now I don't have time to produce the CD's and the interest has died down, so the ads are coming back.

Furthermore, on Friday I start as a freshman at the University of Michigan, studying jazz piano and Spanish.  I'm going to be very busy, with 18 hours of classes and (I hope) lots of practicing.  I predict that this will leave little time to keep up the Wind.  For this reason, I am looking for help with running the site.  If anyone has interest in writing articles and/or editorials (that's right, I will turn over my soap box), and keeping submissions flowing in for The Second Wind, please contact me at cellulartheband@hotmail.com.  Include as an attachment or in the body of the email a sample of your work.

As for everyone else, don't get the impression that this is the end!  Keep checking back every once and a while.

Oh by the way, did anyone notice that a spam-bot signed my guestbook?  According to my robot friend, writing quality/style is both my strongest and weakest point (a Zen-droid?).  It also has a hearty list of suggested topics for articles, including "tramadol hydrochloride diazepam metformin pcos hydrocodone accutane effects side over the counter."  I guess I've got my work cut out for me.  



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