When it comes to mixed martial arts, there are typically two types of fighters: those who want to take it to the ground (“ground and pound”) and those who want to stand and strike toe to toe. Georges “Rush” Saint-Pierre and Matt “The Terra” Serra are anything but typical.

Matt Serra is seven years older than George Saint-Pierre or GSP. While Serra was born and grew up in Long Island, New York, GSP was born and raised in Saint-Isidore, Quebec, Canada, and it’s obvious when you hear them speak. Both of the fighters began to study martial arts in order to combat the dangers and bullies that plauged their childhood. It seems the young French-Canadian had many of the same problems a young New Yorker had growing up.

Though Serra first started studying kung fu, he soon began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the renowned master Renzo Gracie. GSP also studied under Renzo Gracie in New York, but the two never crossed paths due to their difference in age. Serra earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2000 under Renzo, thus becoming the first American to do so. However, not far behind, GSP earned his brown belt (a step lower) from Renzo in 2006. Two call these two men some of the most well-versed Jiu-Jitsu in the world wouldn’t be incorrect, it would just leave a lot out. Both fighters are incredibly dangerous if the fight stands up and striking becomes the means to a knockout. Matt Serra has been studying boxing and Mau Thai in two gyms that he owns with his brother in New York. This serves as a great compliment to his amazing ground game. In the same vain, GSP has been working on his boxing at the Grant Brothers Gym in Quebec, allowing him the luxury of boxing with world champion Joachim Alcine. GSP even recently began training at a renowned fighting school in the elevation of the mountains in New Mexico to strengthen his cardio.

Overall, Serra’s record is nine wins with four losses, while GSP’s record is 15 wins with only two losses. GSP has defeated a who’s who list of fighters from around the world, but one of his two losses came on April 7th of 2007 to none other than Matt Serra in the first round in order to make Serra the UFC World Welterweight Champion. On April 19th GSP gets his chance to avenge his first round embarrassment at the hands of Serra and regain the championship he lost.

While GSP has the advantage of being seven years younger and four inches taller, Serra has the experience and the fact that he knows that knocked this guy out just about a year ago. Both are incredible fighters, and their work eithic, level of skill, and desire for success ought to be revered by all. Fortunately in this sport, we don't have to debate or speculate for long about who's better in a comparison because they do it for us when they go mano y mano. They're two great men, may the best man win.

1. Mark Cuban and Carl Icahn are both amazing businessmen. Both are billionaire American investors who having used their keen business senses have developed their worth in noteworthy ways. Icahn comes from a Jewish-American background and was raised in Queens, New York. Cuban is also of a Jewish-American background and was raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Cuban's came from a comparatively more humble working class background where is father was a automobile upholsterer, whereas Icahn had a middle-class background with a father who was a lawyer and a mother who was a teacher.

2. Icahn attended prestigious schools such as Princeton University where he earned his Bachelor's in Psychology and then later NYU Medical School from which he later dropped out to pursue other interests. Cuban on the other hand went to Indiana University where he attained a BBA. Thus Cuban did have some formal training in business whereas Icahn had more of a sciences background. However by the time each made their fortune both had had enough exposure to the business world. Cuban first stepped in after selling his website Broadcast.com and Icahn came in after dropping out of Med School to head to wall street to work as a broker for Dreyfus & Co.

3. Both Cuban and Icahn should be admired for their business sense and their ability to think on their feet. Neither men settled for the path commonly taken. In selling Broadcast.com and buying a NBA franchise, Cuban had no real experience of what he was getting into. However, he made a decision, took a risk, stuck to it and dedicated himself to become the person he is today. Similarly, Icahn who had the opportunity of top medical school to hold and cherish let it go as he decided to take up a more menial position as a stockbroker. On Wall Street Icahn worked hard and took the risks most were not willing to take. Redefining the word investor, Icahn made tough maneuvers but dedicated himself to his task and with his hostile takeover strategy became the best of American investors in history. Both men did things unheard of but dedicated all of themselves to them to succeed. Today they are to be admired for what they have become and also for how they give back to the people and communities around them. Both Cuban and Icahn are noted for their philanthropy and are admired for their ability to sustain investment wealth and to continually build upon it.

4. Cuban and Icahn are both to be admired and looked up to as amazing role models. However, Ichan supercedes Cuban in that he didn't necessarily come across the one get rich quick idea that Cuban (still genius and praiseworthy) but continued to build and amass wealth through steadfast dedication and struggle. On the whole Icahn can be regarded as a much more intelligent and wise investor than Cuban and is simply a better and smarter businessmen as he singularly invented the hostile takeover and reshaped the role of investors. Whereas Cuban reached his current position through mainly a few smart business moves, Icahn reached his status solely through leveraged buyouts and thus, much more interesting and risky endeavors.

Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki continue to inspire entrepreneurs both young and old to with their renowned real estate, business, and financial success imparting great wisdom. Both having become great businessmen deserve great praise for their drive and determination that led them to such success.

Both businessmen come from the grand United States of America, where both had access to the possibilities of the land of the free. Donald Trump’s grandparents migrated to America from Germany, and he was born into an affluent family of Fred and Mary Trump in Woodhaven, New York. Robert Kiyosaki was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii as a fourth-generation Japanese American as a son of middle-class Ralph Kiyosaki, and educator and government worker. Although their ancestors come from different countries, both are Americans and have revealed the American value of freedom and the pursuit of happiness through their daringly successful business ventures.

Trump attended Kew-Forest School and New York Military Academy where he earned academic honors and played for many varsity sports such as football, soccer, baseball, etc. He continued to West Point, Fordham University, and graduated from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 with a bachelors of science in economics and a concentration in finance. Trump continued his business education as he went to work for his father at Trump Organization. Kiyosaki graduated from Hilo High School and attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. He also served as a helicopter gunship pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Vietnam War and was awarded Air Medal. He later learned the art of selling as he worked for the Xerox Corporation. Both businessman took different routes in education to their success, and it is their individual experiences that prepared them for their future journeys in business.

As a result of their upbringing and education, both businessmen became great success stories. Trump continues to expand Trump Organization through vast real estate ventures and business companies. Kiyosaki also gains great success through his business investments in real estate and in business finding gold and silver. Both have taken their experiences and share them with entrepreneurs of the future through their books offering priceless information about business which are sold around the world. The book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Kiyosaki and the co-written book by both men Why We Want You to be Rich are just two examples that have brought a new way of thinking of financial freedom to all. With books and ideas that change how people perceive the business playing field, these two men deserve to be admired.

Trump and Kiyosaki deserve to be recognized for their achievement as entrepreneurs that changed an industry. It is through their determination and drive that they have gained such wide success, and they deserve recognition for the trials and errors that brought the to their financial freedom.

Seeking to compare survivalist with survivalist, I am going to draw a parallel between Bear Grills and Les Stroud for both are worthy of imitation.

Les Stroud comes to American audiences by way of Canada through Europe, while Bear hails from England. Both men come from wonderful families, Bear being educated through college at the University of London before moving on to other endeavors. Les also comes from a family of good standing being brought up in a tough household with discipline and respect.

Both of these professional survivors had an education in the art of nature. While Bear trained to survive off of the earths natural resources in the British Royal Navy honing his craft then dedicating himself to mountain climbing once out, he climbed to the top of storied Mount Everest and became a motivational speaker to push people to their limits. Likewise, Les also honed his craft through his young adulthood. He frequently camped in the Canadian wilderness and interacted with bears and other animals on a frequent basis as a park ranger. These experiences equally helped both men to become comfortable with the outdoors and served to enhance their survivalist IQ.

When both arrived on the scene on the discovery channel each was decorated with accolades and respected as a true environmentalist. Each man dedicated their shows to not only survival techniques but also to help promote education of nature and its resources so that people could appreciate it in all its beauty. Bear presents himself in incredibly excruciating situations to inform the common man what to do in perilous times when alone in the wilderness. He gains huge respect for voluntarily jumping into quicksand or drinking and purifying his own urine, solely to inform the viewer of what to do were they ever in a life threatening situation. Similarly, Les also presents himself in a way as to relate to most people watching his show. He is vulnerable out in the wild all alone by himself even filming himself with his won cameras in an attempt to gain complete isolation to instruct and teach his viewers. He demonstrates how to catch food, and more importantly how to sustain a positive attitude when solitude takes over. Both men are commended for their commitment to bettering the human condition and celebrated for all they sacrifice to promote nature.

It would indeed be possible to say any number of positive things about two great men like these. Both are enshrined in people’s minds as true praiseworthy men for their acts of heroism and their unwavering bravery in their jobs.

The Comparison of Drew Barrymore and Reese Whitherspoon

Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon, two women of grace and beauty will be compared and studied, for both are worthy of this praise.

Both come from a country well-known for its many successes. Drew was born in Culver City, California and was immediately driven into the acting profession as a child starring in Steven Spielberg’s 1980 classic E.T.. Reese was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but was introduced to the acting profession during her teenage years, which was at a later age than Drew. Her first performance was for a film called: The Man in The Moon. So both women are to be recognized for their past experiences in the entertainment industry.

Each share a history of Germany and both have families who are dedicated to their professions. Drew was born to parents that were very passionate about acting and spent majority of their lives dedicated to the profession. Drew’s mother was born in West Germany during the World War II era. Reese lived in Germany for four years while her father worked as a lieutenant for the United States military and was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. But Reese’s parents are well-known medical practitioners who work at credible institutions of higher education within the United States.

Reese completed high school at an all girls academy called Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon graduating, Reese attended Standford University were she majored in English Studies, but after her freshman year she followed her heart and became an aspiring actress. Drew however, did not complete highschool due to instant success to stardom and fame.

Barrymore is an actress that never left the big screen. She is known for her many roles of sweet and innocent to manipulative and seductive. Her life began early and she was living a fast paced life style. At one point in her career, she began to use drugs and alcohol. But after learning from her past, she has become more responsible and accountable for her actions. As her lifestyle changed so did her attitude. Later in her life she appeared in promising movies like 50 First dates with Adam Sandler and box office hits like Charlie Angels with Cameron Diaz and Lucy Lui. Reese is an actress known for her roles as being charming, funny and sharp. A turning point in her life occurred in 2007 when she and her husband of eight years Ryan Phillippe filed for a divorce. Reese stated it was due to irreconcilable differences. Since then, she has focused on the positive and have began changing her lifestyle by becoming more physically fit. She has focused more on her career in 2008. Despite their differences, both women are equal in praise.

Words cannot express the many accolades both women have received during their lifetime. However, both are credit for their courage and strength and their ability to act regardless of their situation. And for that, both are worthy to be recognized and praised.

There are those that will tell you that John James Bonham is the greatest rock drummer of all times. Those people would be wrong. In the struggle to assign titles of "the greatest" to various figures of rock music, the title of greatest drummer ends in a draw--a tie between Ringo Starr and Keith Moon. While very different in style, they both demonstrate qualities that make them the greatest.

Starr was born in Liverpool, England and given his father's name, Richard Starsky. His heritage is undeniably working-class Liverpudlian, tracing his ancestors back at least 4 generations to sailors and boilermakers in Liverpool. After his parents divorced, his mother remarried to a man that would encourage Starsky to become a musician. Moon was born in the more affluent English town of London, but like Starr, was from a working-class family.

Starr spent much of his early life in hospitals as the results of severe allergies. Because of this, he missed most of his first few years of school and would finally quit school at 13. His artistic education came in the music scene of Liverpool, being part of the skiffle fad as well as playing country-and-western music. Meanwhile back in London, Moon went to school but was given poor marks by most of his teachers and described by them as spastic, chaotic, and retarded. He began playing drums in his cadet corps and got a drum-kit from his mother when he was 13.

Starr would join the Beatles in 1962, at the age of 22. This choice was based on his ability to play with control and variety. Many modern rock fans think that Ringo was a poor replacement for the previous Beatles drummer, Pete Best. But while Best may have been more ambitious and experimental, Ringo displayed the talents that the band really needed, which was steadiness and subtlety. On the other hand, Keith Moon was chosen as the new drummer for the Who because he displayed the passion and loudness that they needed, replacing a boring and uninventive drummer. In both cases, the bands made the right choice. While the bands sound very different from each other, they both had an amazing sound that would raise them, thanks in part to their drummers, to the rank of the greatest rock bands of all time. Simply put, any argument against the talents and greatness of Starr or Moon can simply be deflated with the claims of "He drummed for the Beatles" and "He drummed for the Who." Enough said.

It would be a bit silly to suggest that if these two drummers could be combined--Ringo's subtlty with Moon's energy--that this offspring would be the perfect drummer. This would be like suggesting that blending iced tea and hot coffee could make the perfect beverage. Their shared-title of greatest rock drummer comes from their differences. They demonstrate two extremes of rock drumming and how, in either case, the most important skill is being the best drummer the band needs.

Both having exceptional musical talent by writing, playing, and singing their own music, Hanson and the Jona’s Brothers have recently been compared to one another. With the rocker-style attitude, the Jona’s Brothers are claimed to be the next Hanson.

Both bands were discovered at an early age... both at 6 years of age. Hanson was discovered at SXSW in Austin, Texas, (the youngest was 6) while the oldest Jona Brother was discovered in a barber shop.

The Jona’s Brothers are from Wyckoff, New Jersey and attended Eastern Christian High School. It has been said that the oldest brother found a guitar and a “how to play” manual, and began learning right then and there. The other two claim that they have been singing since 2 years of age. Hanson, on the other hand, are from Tulsa, Oklahoma and were home schooled—they are also huge Christians. They all took piano lessons, however Taylor was best. They threw Ike on guitar and Zac on drums they found in a friends attic. He basically beat around on them until he taught himself how to play (kind of like the oldest Jona).

Both bands are cute and have similar styles. However, unlike the Jona’s Brothers, Hanson has stepped away from the mainstream radio to create an image of their own.

Thankfully, the two do not have to compete against one another today, as they are very similar in their work. Both have wonderfully talented, cute guys in their bands. They have worked hard throughout their lives, and have shown that they have true talents and dedication to music, as they were both discovered at early ages.

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have inspired many generations, and the culture that we live in today, with their music. Having both had the same reign of influence and equal talents, neither can be said to be the better, however, both are very gifted. For this, they deserve praise.

Both coming from the great United States of America, they were both given ample opportunities to hone their talents and become great entertainers.

Born to a traditional American family, Britney Spears’ mother and father worked hard as a school teacher and a building contractor. They passed on their diligent work ethic to Britney, and as a result of her hard work and performing abilities, she has become a great and very successful performing artist. Christina Aguilera, also born to a traditional American family, was born to a U.S. army sergeant, her father, and a Spanish teacher, her mother. Both public servants, Christina’s parents taught her the value of self-sacrifice for the greater good at an early age. It is no surprise that this attitude in conjunction with her singing talent brought her fame, success, and a reputation as a great female performing artist.

Britney and Christina both began singing at very early ages. Britney received much of her pre-fame training singing for her Baptist church choir, performing on the Mickey Mouse Club, and practicing gymnastics. Christina also performed on the Mickey Mouse club, and performed for many large groups. Christina received a lot of her education appearing on the television shows like Star Search, and performing at several sporting events.

Largely regarded as one of the best selling female artists in history, Britney adapted herself to her industry by using her dancing, singing, and acting abilities. Over her short career, she has had 10 hits, outlasted many of her competitors, amassed a fortune, and retained her beauty. However, Christina has been equally competitive. Also very adaptable and beautiful, Christina Aguilera has always been a fierce competitor with Britney Spears and is one of the best selling artists of the decade. Christina Aguilera has won four Grammy Awards, been nominated for a whopping fifteen, and amassed a great fortune as well. Both of these artists have taken very active roles in sharing there wealth with others by donating to charities and using their influence to better society. They are currently involved with the Save the Music foundation, an organization used to appropriate money for schools who have difficulty affording their music programs.

Both of these artists, different in styles and attributes, have only been paid a pittance of attention to their accomplishments here. There are many more praiseworthy and exceptional qualities about these two women to be admired. These women are far too great to be fully described on a piece of paper, and for this, they deserve your praise and imitation.

Introduction: It can be truly said that individuals of widely divergent beginnings may find commonality in outcome. This is best exemplified by two men, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and United States Senator John Cornyn, both of whose professional lives are so closely intertwined with President George W. Bush that they should share in his historical legacy.

1. Although both Gonzales and Cornyn were born Houston, their childhoods could not have been more different. Gonzales was born into a Hispanic family of moderate means; in fact, his grandparents were originally from Mexico. On the other hand, the Cornyn family was decidedly white, anglo-saxon, protestant and relatively affluent. Gonzales was the child of a construction worker; Cornyn the son of an Air Force dentist.

2. Similarly, their early lives differed considerably. Gonzales was educated in rough and tumble public schools in Houston. Cornyn, whose father was a military professional, was educated around the country and overseas. Although each decided to pursue higher education, Gonzales attended Rice University and Harvard School of Law while Cornyn went to the less prestigious Trinity University and St. Mary’s. Even their early backgrounds in the legal field diverged, with Gonzales joining a high profile collection of attorneys at Vinson & Elkins and Cornyn starting with a small, rather unglamorous San Antonio law firm.

3. However, their careers began to merge as both hitched their wagons to George W. Bush's political horse. Each was a member of the Texas Supreme Court. Similarly, each served in Texas government – Gonzales as Secretary of State and Cornyn as Attorney General. In fact, it is paradoxical that their governmental service, secured with the aid of the Bush cabal, both elevated them to positions of power but also ultimately diminished their careers. Their slavish devotion to Bush ideology made them palatable to the conservative backers who ensured their election; however, their unthinking devotion was such a glaring deficiency that it showed them to be of appallingly weak character. In such a manner did each come to exemplify such shameful Bush legacies as the rapid and voluminous transit to the execution chamber of Texas death row inmates, the morally abhorrent support for torture and the philosophically indefensible abrogation of civil rights. Indeed, while their unquestioning acceptance of these repugnant Bush ideologies proved expedient for their careers, such unswerving conformance to the lockstep of the Bush's worst policies evidenced a remarkable lack of personal honor. It showed both of them willing to abandon the nation’s common ideals for the opportunity to spend their days feeding at the public trough.

Conclusion: Consequently, despite disparate beginnings, both Gonzales and Cornyn are poster children for how not to win friends and influence people. Because they were ultimately wholly unconscionable in tying their careers to the transit of George W. Bush’s star, they should share his fate in the outhouse of our nation’s history.

Lebron James compared with Kobe Bryant
1. Though both men are at different stages in their respective careers, each have exceeded expectations and set modern day standards for excellence in the NBA.

Both men were introduced to a life of sports at a very young age. Bryant’s father was a professional basketball player when he was young, playing a key influence on Bryant’s decision to pursue a career in the NBA. Bryant was born August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the youngest and only son. James, much like Bryant, was involved in sports – basketball – at a very young age. He was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio and is also the youngest and only son. Instead of choosing to play ball in college both Bryant and James elected to enter the draft at the age of 17 and 18 respectively and both were drafted in the first round.

2. Bryant was an exceptional athlete and basketball player for Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before attending high school in Philly Bryant’s family lived in Italy, where his father played basketball internationally and where Kobe Bryant was nearly influenced to pursue a career in soccer. Upon returning to the court in high school Bryant was nationally recognized as Pennsylvania’s player of the year and led his school to winning their first state championship in 42 years. Bryant finished his high school career at age 17 and was named a McDonalds All American player, winner of the Naismith High School Player of the Year Award and entered the NBA draft with 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Likewise James attended high school in the lower income regions of Akron, Ohio and began building national recognition as early as his freshman year, pulling home a lossless record and a state championship. In his second year James led his team to a second state title – precedence for talent yet to come. In his final two years James collected yet another state title and was named to the all American First team and the McDonalds All-American Game’s MVP. James declared for the draft like Bryant in his late teens with 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

3. Both players have exhibited excellent mental fortitude in the past and present. At a young age James’ father abandoned his family. Throughout his career James has been criticized for being too young and inexperienced and has, at a young age, dealt with the extreme pressures from the media. James has pressed on to become quite successful – he has been named to the NBA All-star Team four consecutive years (out of his 5 total in the NBA).

Bryant like James dealt with many pressures at a young age – moving from continent to continent, changing schools and friends frequently, and the insane pressures of the liberal sports media. However Bryant has prevailed and has been selected to the NBA All-star Team 9 consecutive years.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are both physical marvels of the NBA that have graced many a magazine cover throughout their respective careers for a wide range of excellent achievements – high scores, stats, physical stature, as role models, etc.

Both men have not abused their positions in power rather they have used their positive image to support NBA Cares, a foundation dedicated to addressing important social issues in the United States.

4. Both of these athletes, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are worthy of praise and celebration because they are equally talented, hardworking, dedicated, spirited, confident and professional to a greater degree than others in the NBA.

While there are many great actors, two of the greatest are Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro. Both actors are masters of their craft, both have inspired legions of actors and non-actors alike, and both are highly deserving of praise.

Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro were each born and raised in New York City. Keitel, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, was brought up in the borough of Brooklyn, where his parents owned a small restaurant, and his dad worked as a hat maker. De Niro, whose ancestors hailed from Italy, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, and France, was raised in the borough of Manhattan. Both of his parents were artists; his mother was a painter, and his father was a painter and a sculptor.

Harvey Keitel left high school at the age of 16 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his enlistment was up, he worked as a court reporter before starting his career in acting. Keitel was taught by the great acting teachers Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. Keitel’s first role was in a student movie directed by Martin Scorsese. Like Keitel, Robert De Niro also left school at an early age, dropping out when he was just 13 years old to join an Italian street gang. Also similar to Keitel, De Niro studied acting under Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg.

Though Harvey Keitel had an early connection with Martin Scorsese and worked in several of Scorsese’s movies, fame was slow in coming. He was often cast in minor roles and was stereotyped as a thug. However, Keitel persevered, and his career burgeoned in the early 1990s when he appeared in several notable films, such as Reservoir Dogs, The Piano, Thelma and Louise, Bad Lieutenant, Pulp Fiction, and Bugsy, a film that garnered him an Academy Award nomination. Robert De Niro has also had a fruitful relationship with the director Martin Scorsese, acting in some of the great director’s most highly acclaimed films, such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull, a movie for which De Niro received the Academy Award for Best Actor. De Niro also received an Oscar for his work in Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather II and he received Oscar nominations for his roles in the movies The Deer Hunter, Awakenings, Taxi Driver, and Cape Fear.

Both of these actors have appeared in some of the seminal films of American cinema, films that became seminal in part because of their extraordinary and memorable performances. Because of their nearly equal talent, their incredible artistic achievements, and because of the joy and enlightenment they have brought to generations of fans, these two master actors deserve nothing but the highest respect and commendation.

1. David Bowie and Freddie Mercury both contributed great talent to rock and roll, solidifying themselves as rock and roll legends and are worthy of praise and emulation.

Both Mercury and Bowie came from humble family backgrounds and started their journey into music as children. Bowie was born David Robert Jones in London. His father worked for a Children’s charity and his mother was a waitress. Bowie’s father exposed him to blues and soul from America, like Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar and moved to London as a teenager...about an hour away from the town Bowie was residing in. His father was a cashier for Britain and both his parents encouraged his musical talents by enrolling him in classes at school and exposing him to Indian music.

2. Bowie studied drama, which influenced his creation of characters for his music and performancse and took on the stage name, David Bowie. As a child, his parents gave him a saxophone, which he mastered by age 12. He later studied the dramatic arts and miming and soon thereafter began joining bands around London. In 1969 he caught the public eye with “A Space Oddity” and subsequently carved out a niche for himself in glam rock. Likewise, Mercury had impressive musical talent as a child, exceling in piano and choir. When Mercury arrived in London, he joined many bands, eventually forming what came to be Queen in 1970. At this time, he legally changed his name to Freddie Mercury. Mercury was also heavily influenced by dramatic arts and took drama classes in his youth and incorporated dramatic elements into his live performances.

3. Bowie and Mercury’s talent and hard work contributed greatly to the canon of rock.

Bowie has several album and song hits as well as successful collaborations with notable artists like John Lennon, Ian Hunter, Mick Jagger and even Freddy Mercury! He is a talented, hardworking man who sings, writes, plays instruments and produces music. He became a pop culture icon with his lavish, dramatic characters, like Ziggy Stardust, and performance and collaborations with other rock and roll icons. His vocal range is impressive, as he is able to hit the lowest lows and highest highs within the same measure of music. He is generous with his fame and wealth and supports several charities and music programs.

Likewise, Mercury contributed immensely to rock and roll. His vocal range was amazing, proved by his operatic performance on “Bohemian Rhapsody”—which was number one on the charts for nine weeks, despite being twice the length of typical radio song broadcasts. In addition to singing, Mercury wrote songs, played instruments and collaborated with other great artists, like David Bowie and Ian Hunter. Mercury’s band, Queen, released several hits and continued to impress with their perfect harmonies and dramatic, glam delivery in performances. He performed elaborate, dramatic concerts night after night which energy and vigor never waning. He became a pop culture icon, rock idol and face for gay rights and awareness at a time when the social stigma around alternative lifestyles was facing heavy denigration. Mercury gave a lot to AIDS charities and promoted awareness up until his death from the disease in 1991.

4. Both Bowie and Mercury are deserving of praise and emulation as they are talented, hardworking, and contributed great works to rock and roll, remaining influences for many great artists of today.

Comparison Exercise

1. The parallel between Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus is great. Though from different generations, both men epitomize excellence in golf.

Both men came from golf driven families. Woods was born in Cypress, California to Earl and Kultida Woods. Tiger comes from an honored line as Earl was veteran of Vietnam. Earl’s bravery and courage undoubtedly transferred to Tiger.

Nicklaus was born in the United States also but in Columbus, Ohio. Jack’s father Charles was a firm man who raised Jack in the image of golf great Bobby Jones.

2. Woods was a standout junior golfer and attended Stanford University. Tiger’s skill can be attributed to his father’s encouragement and the high competition he encountered at one of the top golf programs in America. While at Stanford Tiger’s success grew as he won an unprecedented three straight U.S. Amateurs. After college Tiger has learned from some of the great golf coaches such as Butch Harmon.

Nicklaus was also a standout junior golfer, and he attended Ohio State University. He was able to perfect his trade quickly. Nicklaus was standout in college and was named the top amateur three years in a row by Golf Digest.

3. Both men have strong minds. Tiger is known as the most clutch golfer ever. Whenever he has needed to make a shot, he has. He has won two majors via a playoff, and just last week he was able to sink a 25 foot putt on the last hole to win a tournament. Tiger’s performances under pressure are legendary.

Nicklaus also showed great mental fortitude during his era. He holds the record for most majors won and also finished runner-up in a major 19 more times. He was always in every tournament until the last hole. With his skills diminishing at age 58, Nicklaus almost pulled out an unbelievable victory at the 1998 Masters.

Tiger Woods is the face of power in golf. He has brought physical fitness to a sport that was sorely lacking. Tiger’s commitment to his body off the course shows in his game. He is as strong as an ox and never fades down the stretch.

Nicklaus came from an earlier era when weights were not common, but he still managed to set records that still hold today. His long, golden hair went well with his flashy low scores. Though beneath this flash, lay his calm hands that delivered putt after putt into the cup.

Woods has become a prominent citizen in America. He approaches $100 million a year, and he is friends with most famous public figures. Just recently, Arnold Schwarzenegger inducted Tiger into the California Hall-of-Fame.

Nicklaus is no slouch either. He designs the most successful courses in America and runs the most famous golf school in the world. Many consider Nicklaus to be untouchable. He played in a golden era of golf with the likes of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Nicklaus has a museum exhibit in Ohio dedicated to him.

4. It would outstanding to be like either of these men on the golf course. They have set the bar to which all other golfers reach. Woods, however, is young and still about equal to Nicklaus’s body of work. Considering his potential, Woods is a more admirable golfer.

Philip Kerr

COMPARISON BETWEEN JFK AND OBAMA

Since Barack Obama’s historic speech on race last week, a number of individuals have compared him to President John F. Kennedy and his speech addressing his Catholic faith. While Barack Obama is an exceptional presidential candidate, President Kennedy deserves greater praise due to his actions in his tragically brief presidency.

John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917 in Massachusetts to Rose and Joseph Kennedy. Kennedy was from Irish descent, and his father had worked hard to become a prominent businessman despite his Irish Catholic faith that was persecuted against in Boston. Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Hawaii. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was from Kenya, and his mother, Ann Dunham, was from Kansas. Obama’s father eventually returned to Kenya and he was raised by his mother in both Hawaii and Indonesia.

Kennedy was educated at Harvard. His favorite subjects were history and government, and he was well educated in current events. After graduating from Harvard he joined the Navy. He received the Navy and Marine Corps medal for leadership and courage after saving the lives of several crewmembers when a Japanese ship attacked their boat. After WWII, he started his career in politics. He served in the House of Representatives for six years before being elected to the Senate as a representative from Massachusetts. He was elected President in 1960 – at 43, he was the youngest President ever elected and the first Catholic. Obama has had a similar political background. He attended Columbia University for his undergraduate education, and received his law degree from Harvard. He served in the Illinois State Senate for eight years before he was elected to the US Senate in 2004. He is also notable for his youth and relatively brief time as a public servant.

Kennedy was a president who rejuvenated the country and was able to inspire its citizens through his powerful, eloquent rhetoric. He emphasized the need for change in a country that was still racially divided despite the anti-segregation laws passed the decade before. He possessed the ability to see past the racial divide and work for change, most notably by proposing the Civil Rights Bill. He used his influence as President to push individuals to work together to solve problems facing our nation. His optimism and strength of character gave the people of the Unites States a figure they could believe, hope, and trust in. Obama has built a political platform around the same ideals of equality and change. His campaign thus far has been able to motivate young Americans to action in record-breaking numbers. He has also emphasized the need for change in the way politics are conducted in this country. He possesses the ability to captivate audiences with his powerful oratory, and is skilled in the art of persuasion. His dedication to a unified nation has led him to work for unity in politics, where divisiveness and bickering often prevail.

While many have drawn comparisons between Kennedy and Obama, especially in their rhetorical styles, each of these characters deserves praise for their ability to motivate Americans to action and to strive for unity in a divided nation. Each of us should seek to emulate the moral character of these two men. They did not settle for the current state of our nation, but sought to bring about real change in a time when it was often viewed as impossible. While each of these men are admirable, John F. Kennedy deserves greater praise for being the first man to bring about a wave of change in the United States. He fought for civil rights in a time when the idea of civil equality was still unfathomable to many. With hard work and dedication, he was able to overcome the prejudices against him as a young Catholic president and bring about change. We should all seek to be so brave.

Dell Inc. and Microsoft

• Michael Saul Dell was born on the 23rd of February, 1965 in Houston to an orthodontist father and a mother that worked as a money manager. Dell was interested in computers from a very young age and was pulling them apart at the age of 15.
• Born on Oct. 28, 1955, Gates grew up in Seattle with his two sisters. Their father, William H. Gates II, is a Seattle attorney. Their late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chairwoman of United Way International.

• Michael Saul Dell attended the University of Texas with hopes of becoming a doctor but abandoned studies to start his own business at just 19 years of age. With just one thousand dollars in his pocket Dell started "PC's Limited" in 1984. From his university dorm room Dell started building and selling personal computers from stock computer parts.
• Gates attended public elementary school and the private Lakeside School. There, he discovered his interest in software and began programming computers at age 13. In 1973, Gates entered Harvard University as a freshman, where he lived down the hall from Steve Ballmer, now Microsoft's chief executive officer. While at Harvard, Gates developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the first microcomputer - the MITS Altair. In his junior year, Gates left Harvard to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop and in every home, they began developing software for personal computers.

• Dell has also become one of the wealthiest people in the world with a 4th place listing on the Forbes rich Americans list in 2005 with an estimated worth of $18 billion. Michael Dell uses some of his great wealth for philanthropic activities and has started the "Michael and Susan Dell Foundation" with his wife Susan. The organization is committed to improving the lives of children in the United States of America and internationally. A letter from Susan and Michael Dell states that the role of the foundation is to focus on "..quality education and good health for children. We recognize that these issues are directly connected. If children have the tools they need to take care of their bodies and minds now, their potential for success in the future is greatly increased."
• Microsoft had revenues of US$51.12 billion for the fiscal year ending June 2007, and employs more than 78,000 people in 105 countries and regions. Gates' foresight and his vision for personal computing have been central to the success of Microsoft and the software industry. Philanthropy is also important to Gates. He and his wife, Melinda, have endowed a foundation with more than $28.8 billion (as of January 2005) to support philanthropic initiatives in the areas of global health and learning, with the hope that in the 21st century, advances in these critical areas will be available for all people. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed more than $3.6 billion to organizations working in global health; more than $2 billion to improve learning opportunities, including the Gates Library Initiative to bring computers, Internet Access and training to public libraries in low-income communities in the United States and Canada; more than $477 million to community projects in the Pacific Northwest; and more than $488 million to special projects and annual giving campaigns.

• Both of these men took a risk by getting involved in a new technology that was not sure of becoming a secure future. Both didn’t finish college to begin their businesses and became rich with their ideas. But with the fortune that they both attained, they didn’t just lavish themselves with their fortunes. Both have made foundations to support and help those in need.

Anadeli De Jesus

Many virtuous and courageous men and women lent their energy and their lives to fight in the name of freedom for those who were enslaved in the American South. William Lloyd Garrison is certainly one of those people. While he is quite virtuous, Harriet Tubman is more so.

1. They share very different backgrounds. Harriet Tubman was born in 1920 in Maryland. She born into slavery. William Lloyd Garrison was born in Massachusetts, he was born a free man. Tubman was a victim of a particularly harsh “owner.” Both of Tubman’s parents were of African ancestry, while Garrison’s parents were of European descent. Though they both worked to free slaves- and that is a noble and virtuous thing- Harriet Tubman is more virtuous and her actions were more courageous.

2. Although Garrison had to supplement his schooling with work for a local newspaper- he was at least able to attend school. Harriet Tubman was given no education. Garrison began writing for Newspapers very early in his life. In 1829 he traveled to Baltimore to help Benjamin Lundy publish the Genius of Universal Emancipation. He was imprisoned for seven years for libel following this publication but he continued to fight on. Tubman has none of these opportunities- and that is what is so remarkable about her story. She was seen as a piece of property who was worth only the labor she could produce. She had no formal training in art or law but she was naturally strategic and intelligent. She was able to lead dozens of slaves for freedom and later helped push for gender equality during the women’s suffrage movement.

3. William Lloyd Garrison was virtuous- and had a strong mind. He published many argumentative and persuasive pieces in various newspapers. He worked diligently to spread his message of freedom for all people. His excellent mind drove him to publish and to write outstanding pieces of journalism. He relied on moral persuasion and simple concise language. He used is power and persuasion to benefit those who could not benefit themselves. He formed the American Anti-Slavery Society, and worked in the United Kingdom to end their slavery practices as well. Garrison also saw to it that Women were equally included in all of the dealings of this society. Yet Tubman’s deeds were more admirable. As a slave- she was not allowed to speak in these forums and she was not even free to speak at all in political discourse. At age 12, she suffered an injury to the head that caused to experience black-outs. This was a devastating complication to her activities of helping slaves to seek their freedom. Her first major act was to escape herself. She used to strength of mind to strategically choose the best path to freedom. Despite her often fragile body- her mind and determination helped her reach her goal. She rescued her family and then continued to risk her life and return south to help others escape. If these deeds are not virtuous enough- she later joined the Union Army as a nurse to help physically fight for freedom. She also marched and spoke during the women’s suffrage movement. Many people today have more equal rights thanks to the courageous work of Mrs. Harriet Tubman.

4. Both William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Tubman should be emulated. But- you should strive to translate your words into deeds as Harriet Tubman did. She personally affected many lives, while Garrison help sway sentiment. You should do both- but remember that people are individuals and that you can always reach out to those around you and enact change even if you cannot speak on a large stage. Many evils still exist today and will always exist, but you can take the time to help a few people everyday and you can make a real difference in their lives and in your community.

1. Searching to compare virtue with virtue, I am going to draw upon the similarities between Mia Hamm and Serena Williams, both amazing American athletes. Both were born in the United States, the land of opportunity. Mia was born in the small town of Selma, Alabama and grew up in Texas and Virginia. Serena was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and was raised in Compton, a Los Angeles suburb and Florida. Serena and Mia came from extremely close and supportive families that provided the best training for them. Their families both moved across the country in order to benefit their athletic endeavors.

2. Serena and Mia grew up in loving families that supported their physical virtues. They began playing their respective sports at a young age. At age five Serena began playing soccer with her brothers. Throughout elementary school she played both on the soccer and football teams. At age, fourteen she settled on soccer and moved to live with her uncle in Virginia to go to school at one of the best soccer academies in the nation, Lake Braddock. Within six months, her family moved to meet her in Virginia when Mia received an invitation to play on the 1987 U.S. International Soccer team. She was the youngest member to have ever played on the team. After high school, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and helped the Tar Heels to four NCAA women's championships in her time at UNC.
Similarly, Serena dominated the sport of tennis at a young age. Her father, Richard Williams, used to fire tennis balls at his daughters to teach them to protect themselves in the rough neighborhood of Compton. Serena, the youngest of five girls, grew to love the sport and began playing tennis when she was four. At four and a half she entered her first tournament. When both Serena and her older sister Venus began conquering their junior tennis competitios, in 1991 the Williams family left California for Florida. Richard took his daughters out of national tennis tournaments and instead sent Serena and Venus to a tennis school run by professional player Rick Macci in West Palm Beach. Richard claims that Serena won the next 46 out of 49 tournaments as a junior tennis player. In 1995, Serena turned professional at the early age of 14.

3. As a result of athletic drive and stamina, Serena and Mia went on to both be sponsored by Nike, and make a name for themselves in their respective sports. By 1997, Serena was ranked number 304 in the world when she defeated two Top 10 players and jumped to number 102. She earned her first grand slam singles title at the U.S. Open in 1999 and continued on to win four more straight grand slam single titles including the 2002 French Open, Wimbledon U.S. Open and 2003 Australian Open. Currently, Serena is ranked as the number seven female tennis player in the world. With her new clothing line and acting career, Serena is considered star quality.
Mia also went on to win a slew of impressive titles herself. After college, she was the star of the Olympic team that won gold medals at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics. In between Olympics the national team won the 1999 World cup championships. In 1998, Mia scored her 108th goal at an international competition, becoming the all-time world leader in scoring. Last year she was elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. To no surprise, both Mia and Serena became national figures for their athletic achievements.

4. Mia and Serena are both loved and praised by their sports fans. Mia graced the pages of People magazine when named as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 1997. In addition, Serena made an appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Moreover, they are both glorified by their large fan base. It is not possible to name one superior to the other. They are both female athlete role models that should be admired for their physical virtue.