Book progress #2

As promised, here is the Power of Context and its attributes to social epidemics. Malcolm Gladwell states that the Power of Context is the idea that epidemics are sensitive to the context, or the time and place in which they occur. In other words, if the context of something is not right it is very likely that the "tipping point" will not occur. An example Gladwell uses to further the significance of the third rule of epidemics is crime in New York City. He introduces the Broken Windows theory and explains that maintaining and monitoring urban environments in a well-ordered condition may stop further vandalism and the increase into more serious crime. In an effort to decrease crime rates and practice the Broken Windows theory, the New York Transit Authority hired George Kelling who then proceeded to establish the theory. The company obliged and hired David Gunn, a subway director who would oversee the subway system. As he "investigated" throughout the city, advocates told Gunn to not worry about the graffiti. In other words, focus more on the larger questions of crime. Perplexed, Gunn insisted he do the opposite. "The graffiti was symbolic of the collapse of the system. When you look at the process of rebuilding the organization and morale, you had to win the battle against graffiti" (142). The city began removing graffiti from subway trains and nabbing fare-beaters one by one. By changing the context of subways, the crime rate declined in New York City.

Senior Project #3

As time progresses I keep pushing Senior Project to the back of my mind, seriously. I haven't met with my mentor other than the day I interviewed him or really put much thought into getting in shape/training for my run. I did start running once again but not as long distances as I ran before my injury. I should call Greg and go on a run with him one of these days. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow? No, I will call him tomorrow. I need to pick it up. These past three weeks have been dedicated to college and scholarship applications ergo no time to work on my project. As soon as I complete applications my entire focus will be on my project. Research paper? Who has time for that? I know, I'm a slacker. I plan to check out books regarding the epidemic of obesity and healthy living. My paper will focus on how the importance of fitness has increased with the rise of obesity. I plan to read books and newspaper articles on how obesity in America has increased over the past decade. As I keep running I can feel myself getting stronger, striving to accomplish my goal of finishing a half marathon. Another problem I have come across is picking an event. I would like to run here in Napa but I would need to pick half marathons before May. I also have to take into consideration the weather; do I really want to be running 13.1 miles in the rain? Seeing as how the forecast is very unpredictable in Napa I hope to run in either late March or early April.