Barder the Flying Dog

Using the visual prompt above, we were to write a short story on what we believed was happening.

This photo was taken by Jan Von Holleben. To find more of his photography visit http://www.janvonholleben.com/?page_id=4

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Sam. Sam was very spoiled. He lived in a huge mansion on the coast with his dad, John, mom, Betty, and their three servants, Emily, Douglas, and Josephine. Sam grew up getting everything he ever asked for. From the time he could walk he only wore the most expensive shoes. His tricycle was made of pure gold and at his request, Sam would be bought any toy he pleased. There was no limit to his luxuries. His parents did not need to work so they spent every day relaxing and vacationing, but mostly attending to their only child. Sam's life was one that most people only dream of and he had barely reached the age of five.

On a cold day in September Sam was playing by himself on the beach. His parents had gone off in search of another car to buy and left him with Emily. She was preparing lunch and told Sam to play outside until it was ready. After about ten minutes Sam got bored. He ran into the house and ordered Emily to find him something to do. She frantically searched the house as Sam continued to scream. After a seemingly endless search through all the rooms of toys, Emily found nothing to please the young boy. Sam continued his horrid tantrum as he stormed out the back door to the nearby beach.

Sam was angry and kicked everything in sight in his way to the shore. He hated everything. Suddenly, a dog walked up and began talking to Sam. "Leave me alone!" yelled Sam. "I have something important to show you though" said the dog. After explaining to the boy that his name was Barder and he was a magical flying dog, the boy began to listen. He reluctantly gave the dog a chance after being shown the cool orange turban Barder had. "Jump on my back, I have something to show you" said Barder. Sam hopped on and the dog slowly began running until they were flying. Soon the boy and the dog reached a part of town Sam had never been to. "What us this place?" he asked. "It's called the ghetto" Barder answered. "Wow! It's so weird!" Sam thought. As the two flew over all the poor people and crumbling homes Barder explained how hard life could be and that not everyone was as privileged as the young boy. He told Sam how almost nobody had things handed them to them in life. Sam was slightly confused. As they landed Sam felt a sudden appreciation for all he had. Barder know his work was done so he flew off to help another spoiled brat.

How do you know when it's time to step in?

The topic of America's involvement in foreign countries is one of heated opinions and controversial topics. The big question is when to draw the line? As such a powerful country is it our responsibility to help out nations in need? Or do we leave them alone to solve the issue by themselves?

This question has recently become even more pressing as the wars and tragedy unfold in our Southern neighbor, Mexico. I just read an article about the worsening of crime and public violence in the country. As the drug lords gain more power the Mexican government is beginning to lose control. With more and more murders each day, the situation is terrorizing the Mexican people. Innocent citizens are being taken hostage as a way to get money and exhibit their power. In 2008 alone over 6,300 people were killed in relation to the drug wars (that is more than double the amount in 2007). The awful tortures and killings continue as the government loses power. Public displays of the drug lords' power are every where. In 2008, "A 5-year-old boy whose parents had a stall in a [local] market was kidnapped in October. When the kidnappers thought the police were on to them, they killed the boy by injecting him with acid". Another man was beheaded and his body was hung from a bridge while his head was found in the town square.

These crimes cannot continue. I do believe that every country is responsible for themselves and should be capable of solving their own problems, but in this case somebody must step in. The Mexican government can obviously not control the underground power rings and it is crucial to stop the vicious cycle before things get worse. The United States is one of the most powerful nations in the world yet our neighbors right across the border still struggle with control. I think it is America's responsibility to step in and help this country in need. For the good of the Mexican people it is necessary. The drug war is destroying the Mexican population and if it is not monitored correctly the terror will soon cross the border. As a human community we must help each other out. Those with the capability should step in because some day they may be the ones in need.

(link to the article, "Mexico: The War Next Door")

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/26/60minutes/main4831806.shtml 

America's Next Top Model: Donnie Lemons

(Donnie Lemons, fourth from the left)

Bill Sullivan is a "Situational Artist". He captures moments in time that would otherwise be forgotten forever. Following the 7 rules below he photographed hundreds of New York subway riders as they entered through the turn styles. The story I created is based off one of those pictures. There is a story behind every person and a reason for every detail in the photo. I chose to illustrate what I thought was happening with the man I named Donnie Lemons. This of course is all a guess and nothing is based on fact. To see more similar photos follow the link below the 7 rules.

7 Rules to Situational Photography

1. The image or photograph must be candid
2. The context of the situation must be clearly established
3. The background behind every subject in a series must be the same
4. The photographer must always be visible to the subject(s) in the photograph
5. The moments the images are to be taken must be defined before the pictures are taken
6. Secondary image(s) can be attached to the primary image if needed to clarify an established context
7. The camera should not play a visible role in the situation unless its visible presence has a role in that scenario

http://www.3situations.com/BillSullivanWorks/MTmaster.html

America's Next Top Model: Donnie Lemons

Donnie had a dream and he was determined to fulfill it. Ever since he watched the first episode of America’s Next Top Model in May of 2003 he knew that someday he would stand in front of those judges and be announced the winner. There had never been a male model as successful as Tyra Banks, but Donnie Lemons was sure to change that. For months he worked on his physique. He may have been on the short side but Donnie did not let that slow him down. He spent months at the gym buffing up and building those muscles. He ate nothing but protein shakes and raw eggs, just like a true man. After one last session at the gym and a final day at the tanning salon Donnie was ready. He flew all the way to Los Angeles, California from New York. On audition day Donnie displayed more confidence then ever before as he walked in to present himself.
He was turned down. Tyra Banks, the one and only, had personally crushed the dream Donnie had worked so hard for. For almost five years Donnie went into hiding. He could barely find a reason to live since he hadn’t even made it into the house on America’s Next Top Model. He saw no point in existing if not a successful top model. All of Donnie’s hard work slowly faded and his big bulky muscles disappeared. He began to bald and loose his sense in fashion (something that he NEVER thought would happen, to him style was instinctual). Then, after many months sitting at home Donnie decided to end his misery and turn his life around. In stead of wasting time at the gym (which obviously did not work last time), Donnie spent hours in front of the mirror improving his facial expressions and model poses. He decided to go all natural but he had to return with more experience to really impress the judges. Donnie didn’t want the judges loving him for something he wasn’t so bald head and all he was ready.
Finally the day came when it was time to audition. Once again Donnie prepared to travel all the way to California and stand in front of the judges. As he was walking through the turn styles to board the train, modeling book in hand, Donnie flashed one last pose. Suddenly the click of a camera went off on the other side and the moment was permanently captured. Donnie was ecstatic; this was it, that’s the picture that would make him famous! He knew this modeling thing was meant to be, it was his destiny!