Is This What College is Supposed to be Like?

As high school seniors, many of us couldn't wait until the day we packed up, and headed off to college.  Though our parents may have shed a few tears thinking about sending their babies away, and out of their reach, we still anxiously awaited to experience our first taste of adulthood, and being away from home.  I went thirteen hours away from home for college, my freshman year, hoping to gain the same experience as all of my peers and other rising college freshman.  Unfortunately, things took an unexpected turn for the worst a few days after my parents dropped me off.  I lived in a real-life nightmare my freshman year, until I made the wise decision to transfer before my sophomore year.

            I don't want to go into exact details, or downplay my former school, however, I feel it's my responsibility to raise awareness in this area.  I understand that it was my decision to attend my previous institution; however, I did not make the choice to be mistreated and discriminated against on a daily basis.  Never before had I experienced so many accounts of racism and pure cruelty.  Not once did I ever disrespect any of the people who directed their negativity towards me; for  my parents always taught me to treat others kindly, and that’s’ what I did.

            I wouldn't wish what I went through for a year on my worst enemy.  Whether you have experienced discrimination based on your race, culture, religion, physical appearance, etc. (the list goes on) it's not acceptable.  Actions have been made to try to tone some issues down, and hopefully things will get better; however, all I ask of you in return is to simply express towards people. 

-Brittani Hunter

Wikileak this.

            With Wikileaks being the main topic of discussion on almost every news channel, it is hard to avoid.  For those of you who live under a rock, Wikileaks is a whistle blowing website known for releasing information not intended for release.  This case is no different.  Recently, Wikileaks released over 200,000 United States classified cables to the public causing media hysteria.  The links discussed topics ranging from our relationship with our allies to the relationships with Middle Eastern countries and unstable Iran.  Here is the debate which has so many people riled up, should Wikileaks found Julian Assange (who is currently arrested in the UK for sexual assault charges) be targeted by a United States investigation, or should he be allowed to walk the streets a free man.  Many people feel as though he was just doing his job and providing information to civilians.  However in doing so he put the United States at risk.  The Army Sergeant responsible for leaking the information to Assange is Bradley Manning.  I believe that Manning should be charged for treason.  He leaked classified documents to a public website knowing the intent and putting our nation at risk.  This has the making to be a widely contested debate, so let me hear what you think, should Assange and Manning be set free, or should they be prosecuted to the fullest.

Thanks for Reading,

-Miles Kerbein 

What is artistic creation?

What meaning is there in artistic creation?

According to Carl Jung – Modern Man In Search Of A Soul – “What is essential in a work of art is that it should rise far above the realm of personal life and speak from the spirit and heart of the poet as man to the spirit and heart of mankind.”

A twentieth century spiritual writer and monk whose work was censored in his time for outspoken social commentary says this about the art.

In an aesthetic experience, in the creation or the contemplation of a work of art, the psychological conscience is able to attain some of its highest and most perfect fulfillments. Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. The mind that responds to the intellectual and spiritual values that lie hidden in a poem, a painting, or a piece of music, discovers a spiritual vitality that lifts it above itself, takes it out of itself, and makes it present to itself on a level of being that it did not know it  could ever achieve.

Thomas Merton - No Man Is an Island

The spirit of the ages or “collective unconscious” of the masses according to the psychology of Jung is a powerful force that will find a way to express itself. “A great work of art is like a dream; for all its apparent obviousness it does not explain itself…”

Why does the dirge Bye Bye Miss American Pie still mesmerize listeners with its repeating verse of love lost and death? What song have you heard lately that draws you into its rhythm and lyrics so profoundly?

The nineteenth century German poet Ranier Maria Rilke in Letters To A Young Poet wrote-

“Works of art are of an infinite solitude, and no means of approach is so useless as criticism…Allow your judgments their own silent, undisturbed development, which, like all progress, must come from deep within and cannot be forced or hastened.”

 Personally I have a love/hate relationship with my editor. More importantly, how do you view the creative process and the final product of art that is produces? What style speaks to you at a high level of vitality? And, are you working on anything?

 -Julie Post

Pro Athlete Pay Cuts

In a day and age where people are crazy about there sports teams whether its football, basketball, hockey, or baseball, players don’t seem to stay put in the same location for to long. This can be blamed on several things the most popular being the salary cap. People argue that by teams having a set amount of money but player’s salary changing from year to year makes it impossible to stay put in one location. But I don’t buy it! What happened to players taking slight pay cuts to be on a winning team. Back in the day this was something that was much more common then it is today. The last time I remember this happening was in the 2004 off-season in the NFL. Long time patriot’s linebacker, Teddy bruscki, was needed to be resigned after their super bowl win. Instead of using his new found super bowl ring to cash in on potential contract offers he humbly resigned with the patriots to a small contract so that they could sign more players from the previous year as well. In my books those are the types of individuals I would want on my team. I mean they already make huge amounts of money I am sure a couple hundred thousand is not going to hurt these athletes very much. Anyways tell me what you guys think! Thanks. 

Ross Radcliffe

New Traditions

Holidays call for traditional family and religious practices. Year after year, families engage in activities such as cooking a big feast for holidays such as Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas. On Thanksgiving, many of us arrange to visit family and contribute to cooking part of the massive family feast.  For Christmas, we pride ourselves on making mega-Christmas lists that include numerous gifts that amount to a costly sum. Tradition calls for picking out a tree, decorating the house, carolling, and much more.  Each year, it's these types of traditions that generate holiday cheer. 

Now, think about this. We live in a world where change is constant. Designers break away from tradition to make way for newer, more contemporary creations.  We have several, new methods of communication that didn't exist years ago.  There's just something exciting about newness.  Even mixing traditional methods with a new twist still create a new, unique outcome.

Although our society is always on the verge of change and discovery, many people still continue to approach
holidays traditionally.  My question, though, is:  Is it ok to mix up the holiday season to keep it fresh?  For example, my immediate family opted to spend the day together (movies) and dine out for Thanksgiving this year. Even though we didn't travel to my grandmother's house in Raleigh and help cook, we still called them, and let them know how much we loved them.  This Thanksgiving was just as memorable and filled with loving memories as all of the others.  For Christmas, we plan on sponsoring a family, and providing them with things on their wish list.  Instead of getting gifts for each other, we've opted to take a vacation instead.  We still put up the tree and decorated, however, we're having Christmas with a twist this year. 

Im curious.  What do you all think about the holiday seaason? Would you prefer to stick to tradition? Or do you agree with switching things up sometimes?

-Brittani Hunter

XBox Kinect Injuries

While reading a tech blog this weekend, I read about injuries that are related to the new Xbox Kinect system. Apparently a lot of people have been getting minor injureies when playing various kinect xbox games. A good amount of people are getting hurt because you have to sometimes flair your arms, legs, and body to do certain things in the game. In one YouTube video, I saw a father and son playing a Kinect game. The kid playing was about 12 years old and came up to his dad’s waist and his dad did a move and elbowed the kid really hard in the face.  The system itself warns you to make sure that the area is clear of any obstacles that may get in your way during gaming. I also saw a video of two guys playing tennis and one guy went to serve and he slammed his hand into the ceiling extremely hard. Honestly, I think some people are just being stupid when it comes to Xbox Kinect. You just need to use common sense with the games and not stand right beside someone who is using violent motions while playing the game. What do you think about these injuries? Do you think they are Microsoft’s fault or just bad judgement on the players?   

 -Clay Chapman

The Privilege of Choosing

     What is more unnerving: finishing off the fall semester with an overload of 17 credit hours, what was I thinking, or contemplating the job market potential?

      Maybe I should go to grad school. This is more of a dilemma than a choice. You cannot make a decision solely based on earning potential. Look at the banking industry.

      I have a friend who is a small business owner. Half of all the businesses he has dealt with over the years are gone. They provided at one time a livelihood for their families and number of employees along with insurance. They do not exist anymore.

      Yet somehow he has survived and over the past few months business has increased. Is the economy coming back from recession and slowly from the depression of lost jobs and homes?

      News stories everywhere are stating that spending is up this year in Christmas sales. It’s a hard call about what to do. But, like the last few years, I cannot base my decisions solely on finances. I need to build a life and something I can bank on.

-Julie Post

Viral Video Fame

           In the current era we are in fame is something desired by many, but only achieved by so few. People will go to any extent to become famous. If you were to recall last year’s infamous balloon boy incident, where a fame-obsessed dad went to all knew lengths to try and become famous. Or you can look at people like the Kardashians! Who to be honest I don’t even know why there famous. But with changes in technology and where the public’s attention is we are seeing a new type of fame, and that would be viral fame. Long gone are the days where one has to be a talented actress, singer, or athlete to be famous. In are they days where all it takes is a odd man on a mountain looking at a double rainbow to be famous. I don’t have anything negative to say about the viral video stars, I actually credit them for putting stuff out there to be viewed by the world and I guess there are the odd cases such as Justin Bieber who end up making a successful career out of it. But I want to know what you guys think about the viral video stars. Do you see this trend continuing or something that will dye off in the long run? I personally think its here to stay! I posted some links below of some of my favorite viral videos.

Double rainbow song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHjg8WClzz0

Penalty kick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XuEGHHoZGM

Famous glasses guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ2NQIGLhUA

--Ross Radcliffe

 

North vs. South

Recently I was home for Thanksgiving break , and I realized just how much I really miss the north. The south is great and all but just doesn't have that extra flare that only the north can provide. Charlotte is a great city if you are looking to start a family but really just is not for the average college student, its small with not much night life and everything closes early! When I was home in Philly not only did me and my friend pauls night begin late , at 12 am, but even when it ended close to 4 am , there were plenty of things still open to allow us to either grab something to eat or drink.

I guess the best example of how the North is just better suited for me would start at my appetite. I'm hungry 24/7. In Charlotte if you get hungry on a weekday at 3 am the only place that has something to eat is the gas station. At home if I got The 3am hunger on a weekday, I have at least 10 different food places around me that can satisfy my hunger. One in specific ( my favorite ) has to be Wawa , its just heaven in a store , and being open 24/7 it will never disappoint me! Wawa alone makes me miss the north but overall I'd say I just miss being in a city that has a pulse!

-Jason Cuzzupe

2012 And the Sun

The sun goes through phases, if you weren’t aware. In his new book Chasing The Sun, author Richard Cohen explains that the sun is due for some serious activity between 2010 and 2012. Could this be a part of the ancient Mayan prophesy? This over activity will mean that the sun will eject billions of tons of hot matter called coronal mass ejections into space. This probably means earth is doomed, right? Well be melted by globs of sun matter in the year 2012. Not likely. The fact is that the sun goes through this cycle every few years. It’s happened plenty of times since man has been on earth. In fact, observing this event is possibly one of the ways the Mayans were able to use the sky to predict cosmic events so well. Weather or not one of these coronal mass ejections will blow earth to bits is hard to calculate. There very sporadic, and hard to predict. However, from what can be calculated the likely hood is quite small. So really, it’s not even that important of an event for earth. That is if it were a normal part of the cycle. What is being theorized is that this particular cycle will reach a solar maximum of activity. Meaning that the sun will be emitting stronger coronal ejections than in a usual cycle. So basically, were all doomed. Sorry.

- M. Tilley

Beware of the Cyclists!

       Imagine a mild, summer night.  The weather is perfect. The dim, street lights provide just enough light for motorists to make it to their destination safely.  You approach an empty intersection on a quiet road.  Looking over, you crack a quick joke to your best friend who’s sitting beside you on his matching motorcycle.  Green light.  You check both ways and slowly pull off.  Out of nowhere speeds a reckless driver going at least 20 miles over the speed limit.  Just as you reach the middle of the intersection, BAM!   

           

This is a brief excerpt from my dad’s memory.  His wreck occurred nearly 10 years ago.  Fortunately, he survived and is an perfectly healthy 47-year-old man and an incredible father.  He’s never ridden a cycle since then.

Many cyclists involved in accidents are not this lucky. Throughout these past few weeks in the Charlotte, NC area, motorcycle wrecks seem to be the most recurrent topic on the news. Five cyclists recently lost their lives just within the past 3 weeks.  It honestly seems like I’m hearing about a new crash every other day.             

I bring this issue up to raise awareness.  When on the road with a cyclist, be sure to provide them a sufficient amount of distance.  Try your best to be extra aware.  Accidents involving all types of vehicles occur every day; however, motorcycle wrecks often produce fatal results.  Please be careful on the road.

-Brittani Hunter

Iraqis claim British abuse.

 Yesterday, Iraqi’s captured in the war effort claim that they were abused by british troops.  They say they were subjected to sleep deprovation, hooding, being forced to stand or kneel for extended periods of time and also being exposed to loud pornogrophy.  These allegations are being placed on the Joint Forward Interogation Team.  Due to these allogations, the European Convention of Human Rights demands that an investigation be launched.  The british Defence minister Liam Fox is said to be very concerned, and “determined to get to the bottom of this.”  Although he doesn’t believe he is in"any present obligations to set up a public inquiry."  Also on the case, is the Royal Military Police, they are also investigating every alligation made by the Iraqi people.  Do you think that the Iraqi people have a case in saying that the British were too rough on them?  And that standing in one spot for too long is a crime against prisoners of war?  Personally I feel as though it is war, it is not a picnic.  Of course it is going to be hard to endure if you are captured.  What do you think, should we lighten the way we deal with prisoners or treat them the way we have? 
- Miles Kerbein

Collisions in Football

This Sunday it was noticeable that many players were going somewhat half speed when it came to laying big hits.  Also, it seemed as though there were more and more people hiting the opposition then instantly putting their hands in the air as if to say they didn’t do anything wrong.  Is fining and suspending players because of a hit the right decision by the NFL?  Personally, I feel as though it is somewhat hypocritical, because the NFL is known as the most physical sport in the world and that is one of the major reason they sell tickets.  If people wanted to watch athletes run around and avoid contact they could just watch soccer.  Football is football because of the collisions and speed involved.  Personally I feel as though players should receive penalties and warnings before a large fine and suspensions similar to that dumped on James Harrison this past week.  What do you think, should the NFL continue to soften the game of football or should they leave it be?
-Miles Kerbein

No Fly Zone

Last weekend I flew to state college, to visit with my friend and watch the Penn state football game. I decide to fly up and on this day us airways was my only option.   Us airways in my opinion is literally the sorriest excuse for air transportation I have ever seen! Crappy service, outrageous fees, and dumb mistakes like cutting a wire on the plane requiring them to switch planes which delays my flight an hour and half makes it awful! I normally fly with Southwest who is in my opinion the best airline out there. At least they wont charge you up to fifty dollars just to transport a bag. I don’t understand the ridiculous logic US air uses. The uncomfortable seats don't exactly help their cause either. The obvious confusion on board with the flight attendants was not exactly the most comforting feeling in the world. Once in the air I thought all our problems were done for but then the us airways crew screwed up again by spilling a drink on a near by passenger. They didn't even have a snack to offer! The flight overall was a disaster. Us airways just does not fly with me. 

-Jason Cuzzupe

Digital Mania

            What media devices do you carry around with you on any given day? I took a personal inventory just to try and find some gauge on how I was doing in this digital age of communication.

 First and most important is the phone. Although the latest models have impressive names to match numbers and capabilities, it’s still a phone. Or, is it? Mine keeps me connected to the important people in my life and on time. It is set up for automatic speech recognition, Bluetooth and GPS navigation. I can text, e-mail, take pictures and download games. It also has the ability to access the web and data services. An upcoming assignment will require posting our writing by phone to our blog site giving us real world applications through high tech media skills.                                                         
As a staff writer for The Queens Chronicle my digital audio recorder is always on hand. It can transfer files to my computer for storage and quick transcribing of the best quotes to send to Googledocs for my editor’s approval. My back-up digital recorder, however, cannot do this. It’s all manual.
Another important item is my digital camera. I’m told it can also do video. I guess it is time to break out the manual. My second digital camera is used for back-up when batteries fade.
My PC lap top is too clumsy to carry around. And, although I really have a lot of alternative sources to Web browse, for Christmas I’m putting an Apple on my wish list.
 -Julie Post

Austrians question airport body scanners

         In Austria, scientists are questioning the legitimacy of the new full body scanners in airports. They want to know, is there a better, faster, way to the same job. Many people find the scanners to be embarrassing, thinking that these machines take some sort of clean nude photo of the occupant. Really though, it takes a vague picture searching for irregularities. There have been discussions about the fact that the machine emits low levels of radiation, and that any person who would be working near the machine for hours on end could be running a risk for accelerated cancer development. This fact has sparked an international discussion about weather or not Europe will adopt the machine that is already being implemented in most major airports in the U.S. and Canada. The Austria science team who raised these questions has begun plans to develop a new, better way to scan in airport security that will hopefully be safer, and easier. Personally, I hope they find what there looking for. Having been through the current scanners I can say that there odd, overly sensitive, and slow.

- M. Tilley

Downloading

            Most of us all do it, whether or not we admit to it is another story. What I am talking about is downloading! Movies, music, software etc can now all be found on the Internet free of charge. Now the fact of the matter is, being a college student, who has a lot of debit and no money to his name like myself, downloading is a definite attractive way to get my fix. Now I know its wrong and by downloading I am not supporting the creators of the product, but its right there and its hard not to!!! To be honest this is the first time I have even thought about this subject. I bet many of you are the same way. Do you even think that you are stealing when you are downloading a new song or movie? Or do you not even see it as stealing? I am interested to see what you all think about this subject because it is something that is so current and heavily debated upon in our society. For example, hip-hop artist T-pain has recently stated that he will not release another album unless the music market becomes substantially better. This is a result of people not buying their music anymore. It says nothing about the quality of the music being produced, but that it’s just not worth buying when your able to sit at your computer and get it within seconds. So that’s enough about what I think, tell me what you guys think!? I’m excited to see what you guys have to say!

-- Ross Radcliffe

Just the Way You Are

Music can elevate our minds to infinite levels.  Sometimes we listen to songs to pick us when we're down.  Athletes listen to music to "get crunk" and to get pumped up before games.  Sometimes we listen to music that somehow seems to fit perfectly with the mood we're currently in.  The first time I heard Bruno Mars singing "Just the Way You Are" on my Pandora, I definitely had a moment.  It wasn't so much the fact that he's singing to a girl, telling her that she's amazing.  Rather, I fell in love with the song's message:  You're amazing, just the way you are.  Simply put.  This can be directed to any and everyone.

The general principle of self-value is one that I most certainly live by.  I believe that you have to know you're wonderful just by being your plain ol', regular you.  You were created the way you are for a reason, and you should never have to change to meet anyone else's criteria.  Acquaintances, friends, and significant others will cycle in and out of your life as you grow older and gain life experience.  You can't always rely on people to pick you up when you're down.  So you have to know that you're unique and unlike anyone else in the world.  Sure, it seems like a simple principle, but so many of us need to hear this.

This is so important to me because adapting this trait creates an instant spirit of optimism. Once you know you love yourself and accept yourself, without a doubt, then your friendships and relationships will flourish; for you're no longer relying on someone to make you believe you're amazing.  The beauty of it is, you'll already know, and hearing them tell you will only compliment this.

-Brittani Hunter

I Wonder....

You want to know what keeps me lying awake at night? Wonder. This may seem childish but yes wonder keeps me from being able to get a good night sleep. I wonder about everything from why I do what I do , to how I constantly beat myself up over the dumbest things. I wonder if ill be able to pull myself out of this persistent funk that I am in. I know everyone has their days where they feel down but why do I waste my time dwelling on these moments when it is so unnecessary? I wonder what would be different if I were in a different place or how I would be if certain events hadn't occurred. I am always in a state of wonder just before I fall asleep. As this maybe good for some people , for me it is extremely counter productive. I work my self into a tizzy trying to sort out what I can't control, and I wonder why I am a mess. Tonight I wonder about these things again... I stop and write it down and realize that I can not control other people and I am beating myself up over not having that control. I know what I need to do but for some reason I can not put that into an action and again I wonder why not? Right now in this time the only thing I can control is what me, myself and I am doing. If someone doesn't want to do something or act in a certain way then I can not help that. I need to stop my wonder, or do I? Why do I not wonder about how I can better myself ? This is a good alternative to wondering about changing others. This new revelation will be what I need to better my value as a human being, I wonder if this will work.

http://web.me.com/mpersch11/mattjasonsblog/Welcome.html

-Jason Cuzzupe

Lambo, The BlancPain"

The new Lamboghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition is tribute to the special Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race series that both Lamborghini and Blancpain, the self-dubbed world's oldest luxury watchmaker, sponsor. The race series is designed for Lamborghini enthusiasts and utilizes a special Lamborghini Gallardo model with 562 hp and striped down to 2,800 pounds. Lamborghini calls the Super Trofeo the fastest one-make race series in the world. It is also the only one-make all-wheel-drive motorsport series.

The Lamboghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition is the product of two the very best brands in their respective sectors worldwide. Lamborghini, of course, is well known as one of the best exotic-car manufacturers. Blancpain was recently voted the "Best of the Best" among the world's most exquisite watch brands by the "Luxury Institute" in New York. Each Blancpain timepiece has been assembled by one single watchmaker in Switzerland since 1735.

This lambo is capable of handling the dash from zero-to-62 mph in 3.4 seconds and past the 124-mph mark only 6.8 seconds later. The car’s rear spoiler slows the car’s top speed to 199 mph from 202 mph in the Superleggera.

The interior is finished in black Alcantara with yellow accents and visible carbon fiber. Blancpain logos adorn the exterior and are also featured on the seats and cockpit in yellow stitching.

- Scott Marsicano

The New MacBook Air

After looking at the new MacBook air on the Apple website, I am highly impressed with Apple’s ability to make such amazing products. One of the things that amazed me the most was that you could leave your MacBook air asleep for 30 days and come back to it, flip it open and it’s ready to run. That’s incredible that a battery can last that long, not to mention it can last 5-7 hours when it is in use. Apple also mentioned that it has a retina display similar to the iPhone 4. If it is anything like the screen on the iPhone then it must be incredible. The only thing that I wish it had more of is storage space. It only comes in 64, 128, and 256 GB of flash storage. If I am going to pay $1000+ then I would like to have more room to store my information. However, if I was a business traveler always traveling, then it might not bother me as much. Another thing I read in the news is that TSA airport security said that it is so small that you can leave the MacBook air in your bag instead of having to take it out for the X-ray machine like all other laptops. As of now, I’m not going to buy one because I am happy with my MacBook Pro and I feel like it is portable enough as it is. 

- Clay Chapman

Desire to get Higher

To legalize or not to Legalize…..

                  With proposition 19 to be voted on in California on November 2^nd, marijuana may finally be legalized.  Most advocates believe that proposition 19 will add needed revenue to the state of California through its taxes while also reducing crime and corruption.  With the legalization of marijuana, California believes they will bring in an additional 1.4 Billion dollars in additional tax revenue through its legalization.  Marijuana has been proven to assist with issues ranging from, chronic body pain to anorexia.  .  However, there are some people who are skeptics.  For instance, with its legalization some critics believe that marijuana being a “gateway” drug will lead to the abuse of more severe drugs.  I do not believe that marijuana is a gateway drug, I just feel as though many people do what they believe is cool, and with society changing who knows what that may be.  As of right now the topic is marijuana, and what do you think, should it be legalized or not?

- Miles Kerbein

Latest Updates on the Gulf Oil Rig Disaster:

     The presidential commission investigating the accident reported that the cement used to seal the bottom of the well was tested a number of times and found unstable. BP and Halliburton, the company hired to cement the well, could have taken measures to correct the problem. They did not.

  
     Tourist beaches will be cleaned. Other uninhabited shorelines not so much as tar ball 2 inches across along with oil bands 1.2 inches thick and patchy remain on the coast as acceptable terms of agreement in SCAT – the Shoreline Treatment Implementation Framework, a new method of disbursement signed by BP, the U.S. Coast Guard and other state officials.

     Workers in the clean-up effort are becoming sick. About two weeks from the initial clean-up over seventy workers complained of symptoms including irritated throats, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and headaches. If the symptoms resemble the Alaskan Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster why is BP ignoring requests for better equiptment?

-Julie Post

French Riots

     As many of you are probably already aware from watching the news, France is under going some serious riots. Looking at some of the pictures online, the first thing that comes to mind is the French revolution. Except this time, instead of bread the French have taken to the streets to protest The French Senate adopting new rules last Thursday to speed up voting on a controversial pension reform bill. Millions of French citizens are marching in outrage over how little money they will be receiving in there retirement pension plans. Thousands alone in Paris and many more have gathered in town squares across the country refusing to work until they feel that their needs have been met. “Lawmakers, trying to wade through more than 1,000 amendments -- many put up by opposition senators to try to derail the bill -- will group them together rather than voting on each one”, Labor Minister Eric Woerth announced. The controversy stems from the bill in question, which intends to raise the retirement age from sixty to sixty-two. This doesn’t seem terrible, but I would imagine that by the time you’ve reached sixty another two years would seem like an eternity. The demonstrations, which are being put on in high traffic areas are affecting everyone’s day-to-day life, and that’s the intended idea. The more the protesters can impede on everyone else the sooner they can get what they want. They simply have to make enough of an impact. I can’t fault them for that though; I can say that I’d probably empathize with them.

- M. Tilley

Silly Quarterback!

            This week in the NFL we were treated, just like every other week, to some great football from some of the worlds best athletes… notice how I don’t say worlds best public speakers. After the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins game, which Washington handily won. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had the audacity to comment on the performance of Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Now yes sometimes players get bitter and make comments about other players, but seriously Jay! Now the reason I say this is because during the game Hall had tied a NFL record for most interceptions by a single player in one game. Now I do not know what was going on in Jay Cutler’s head because personally I know if someone were to rip me to shreds like that in any sport I would be more concerned with my personal game than others. Now I am sure we all get a little defensive at times and do not like to admit defeat, but for the Chicago bears this does not look promising. The Quarterback of your football ball team is usually supposed to be a leader and be able to stay composed under all the pressures of the job. These are traits unfortunately Jay has yet to show. Leaving all those bitter Broncos fans snickering at every wrong move he makes. Hey I guess they need something to laugh about after being stomped by the Oakland Raiders!

--Ross Radcliffe

We're All Liars.

                 Of all human characteristics a person can possess, honesty is situated on or around the top of the list.  Ask a person what is the most important quality they look for in a member of the opposite sex.  Honesty is a front-runner.  People in general yearn for truth and honesty; for the feeling of being lied to or betrayed is something we all wish we could avoid.  Oddly enough, we place honesty on such a high pedestal, yet we’re all liars. 

               

Lying can range from exaggeration, to sugar-coating the truth, to flat out making up gloriously false lies.  Sometimes we lie to make ourselves look good.  Other times, we lie to “protect” the feelings of people we love.  We live in world where genuine honesty is seemingly non-existent.  This doesn’t sit well with me at all.  Like everyone else, I’ve lied on more than one occasion.  However, looking back on some of the things I lied about throughout my life, I realize how telling the truth would have made things much more manageable.  I’ve dedicated myself to making a conscious effort to avoid lying.  What I find most helpful is avoiding situations in which I may have to lie about down the road, a.k.a. making wiser decision in general. 

What about when someone we love asks us a question, and we know that revealing the truth may hurt?  Take a deep breath, breath, and reveal the truth.  You may hurt others’ feelings; however, that person will probably respect you for telling the truth as opposed to catching you in a lie.  Just like lying, the more you tell the truth, the better you’ll become at it.

I’m curious.  Why do you lie? Do you think you’re ever justified to lie?  How can you stop lying?

-Brittani Hunter

iPad for 5 Year Olds?

I was watching NBC news the other day and they were talking about how it is not uncommon for a 5 year old to have an iPad as their main toy. Apparently a lot of companies have made applications for very young children that are interactive and help them learn. There are lots of games for children and educational apps out there. The news station also said that the hot item this Christmas is going to be the iPad, mainly for young children. They recommended that if you give a child an iPad, that it is only theirs because you wouldn’t want to have your own inappropriate apps on there for them to see. I think it is amazing that people can afford to give their child a $500 piece of equipment. Honestly, I would never give my child an iPad because I would be afraid that they would break it and not to mention, it is very expensive. I do agree that the applications available are great, but I think they would be just as happy with some Fisher Price toys. It is amazing how much our society relies on technology currently. Would you buy one of these for your 5-year-old child?  

-Clay Chapman

Blog on Blog

 My post this week may seem a bit unusual, because this week I am blogging about a blog. I was on the phone with my buddy Matt yesterday and we were discussing about the Don’t mind us blog. I was telling him all about my advanced digital media class and how the blog got started. Matt decided about a week and a half ago to start up his own blog and I asked if I would be able to contribute to his blog as well. Hopefully some of my writings will be up on his site shortly. His Blog is called Matts collection of writings, he basically puts up his daily writings to express how he is feeling. Although there are a few kinks still needed to be worked out like a miss spelling in the title and maybe adding some color to the page, it is overall a fantastic source for personably entries. He will have writings on everything from his thoughts on life to inspirational people in his life and even some fictional stories. Matt is one of my best friends and has been through so much in his life so to hear his perspective on things is a very nice treat for me. Now there is a whole site dedicated to it.

http://web.me.com/mpersch11/mattsblog/Welcome.html

-Jason Cuzzupe

What a day...

Indonesian rescue workers and fishermen searched for survivors in the waters west of Sumatra Island on Tuesday, after a powerful earthquake and resulting tsunami killed at least 31 people and left 160 missing. The tsunami, triggered by a 7.7-magnitude undersea quake, slammed into the Mentawai Islands late Monday. Local officials say the most rescue help is needed in the waters rather than on land and I quote them in saying, “We’ve instructed fisherman to help search at sea.”

So far there has been 15 bodies found at sea and numerous survivors. The tsunami caused the waters to reach as much as 10 feet in height and advanced as far as 2,000 feet inland. The disaster caused damage in the North and South Pagai islands.

Than, on Tuesday, Indonesia’s most dangerous volcano erupted, prompting many of the 11,000 villagers to flee after hundreds have already been injured. A doctor at the Panti Nugroho Hospital in Sleman reported that people had burns over 80% of their bodies. It is still not clear why the two diasters occurred within days of each other, but the island holding 237 million people have always been prone to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity; Just not within 24 hours of each other.

- Scott Marsicano