When Matt Murphy caught the ball that broke Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, it was front-page news. Now that Murphy has sold Barry Bonds' 756th home run ball for $752,467, it's an even bigger deal.
Murphy made the decision in favor of a more comfortable life over nostalgia.
And while the purchaser had the financial ability to obtain the piece of baseball history, but what did he gain from spending three quarters of a million dollars? After all, the baseball is only made of cork, rubber, yarn and cowhide. Not to mention, probably significantly damaged from the swipe Bonds took at it.
Murphy seems to be one of the few people in America with his priorities in order. Many others like Murphy take advantage of a weaker breed of humans - those who are tempted by memorabilia everyday. EBay is a haven for both those looking to score a buck as well as overspending memorabilia addicts.
For instance, the original mask used in the making of the motion picture Hannibal Rising is being sold on eBay for some $14,999 or best offer. Also, a "Hey Jude" 45 sleeve signed by all four of the Beatles is up for sale for $8,999.99.
It's admirable that people are able to make a second living off of memorabilia, but let's remember what these objects usually are - dust-collectors.
Starting a riot for dummies
How do so-called protests for peace turn to violence?
According to a New York Times article by David Johnson, on Saturday, September 15, 2007, thousands of Iraq War protestors marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, in a protest that eventually turned violent.
Peace marches on the Capitol and the White House are reminiscent of an unpopular war that took place not so long ago. And like then, marches are supposed to remain peaceful, but in the heat of the moment, with raging emotions, they turned physical.
Images of riot police with shields and helmets come to mind, and that's exactly what happened as rioters were pushed down and arrested for breaking a police line.
It's sad to think that the same could happen anywhere, including UB. Those who oppose a government position, which has often been the Iraq War as of late, gather together to express their position peacefully. But every so often, those rallies end up violent due to overly impassioned dissenters.
No matter what your opinions may be, it is important for students to take a lesson from history. History shows that protests at UB can easily get out of hand, whether they're against war in Iraq, Vietnam or even against bus and parking fees.
Nonetheless, protestors should be commended on being able to express their opinions publicly and without reservation, assuming they remain non-violent. Many citizens support a cause, but often sit on their couches instead of actually doing anything about it.
Activists need to learn that the power of their consensus does not have to result in the forming of a mob. In place of violence, those opposed to war should realize that more would take their message seriously had they remained peaceful.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
