If Jeff Rice doesn't have the coolest job ever, than I don't know who does. With his unusual job, Jeff Rice collects sounds of nature. With a $350,000 federal grant, Rice helped found the J. Willard Marriott Library's Western Soundscape Archive in November 2007. As of today, the Archive holds sounds from 800 different species. Rice wakes up well before sunrise to cpature his sounds. This is when most animals are most active. Although most species are easy to find, some of them require extra patience. In my opinion, I believe that $350,000 is a lot of money being granted to this cause; although, it is welll worth it. For me, the sounds of nature helps me work better and more effectively. I believe if it has this impact on me, it will on others.
If this isn't proof that the federal government will give money to anyone who can make a mildly attractive presentation. I feel like $350 grand could be spent on absolutely anything else and it would be more productive than 'recording the sounds of nature'. Interesting article though clovergolfer1.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is not the best idea for the government to give this guy money to do this but it is also probably good because they will have documented sounds of different types of animals and will help people be able to identify them by sound and the way they look.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty cool, however, i think it is a waste of money. Once again, the government is just throwing money away. We could definitely use this money for more useful things.
ReplyDeleteI really like this and i do not think it is a waste of money! I love sleeping with sound machines with noises such as nature or the sound of rain falling. Now i know that this is the man to think for that. I agree that this would be a pretty sweet job to have.
ReplyDeleteI think this is really interesting, and I don't think it's a waste of money at all! It is helping us to understand many new species, and knowing what they sound like. This could lead to further studies in which we can learn about, and hopefully protect species. I think this is a great way to encourage interest in science, in an out-of-the-box way of thinking. I think this is a great project, and this guy's job is going to be so sought after!
ReplyDeleteI think that this is interesting, but I think that its a huge waste of money. If people want to hear natures noises then they can just go out into nature and listen. 350 grand could be spent on things that are much more useful than sounds of nature. I have no problem with his job, but he shouldn't be paid 350 grand to do it. This is a pretty cool job, but its a big waste of money.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent point on why our nation is in the shape that it is in. The government gives away money to collect "sounds" at the same time as they are borrowing money from China to keep us going. Seriously, do we need a government funded guy to collect sounds of nature for us. Wake up people and just go outside and hear it yourself. Teachers are losing their jobs all over the USA because states cannot afford to pay them but here the government goes just blowing 350,000 on something so unnecessary. Our nation needs to get its priorities straight.
ReplyDeleteI don't really like complaining about how the government uses our tax dollars, but with this I would say the money could go toward a better cause. I realize that $350,000 is pocket change in the eyes of the government, but with the recession people are becoming uneasy about some of the less important issues the government has decided to throw money at. I'm not a fan of the grant the government gave Mr. Rice for his research but I understand their motive.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the above comments in that the government is squandering money. This sort of project should be funded by private investors whose choice it is to sponsor such a project. I don't appreciate the government forcing me to help sponsor this.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, it may be cool to listen to birds and crickets and such, I think it's a waste of goverenment money. Everybody is always complaining about how in debt America is and next thing you know, the government is handing out money in goody bags to anyone who asks for it.
ReplyDeleteAbsurd. Jeff Rice does have a very cool job but the amount of money that the government is giving him is just insane. I think nature sounds are awesome and all, but I think the money could be put to a better use.
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